Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has advised the government not to proceed with the expansion of Maafaru International Airport. The decision was made following an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) by the EPA.
The EIA stated in detail the impact on the environment of the island if the project to expand the airport is continued. In this regard, the EIA stated a land area of 8.7 hectares is needed for the expansion, with trees and greenery needed to be cleared from an area of 4.8 hectares.
Further, land plots given to the residents of the island also need to be taken back, which is an area dense in trees. The EIA also noted more land needs to be reclaimed from the lagoon for the expansion project which would damage the natural habitat of different species of turtles.
EPA said although the expansion of the airport would provide more job opportunities, it comes with grave social and environmental consequences. EPA advised Ministry of Environment and Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure to review if the expansion is of great importance for the economy of the country despite the consequences.
The expansion of Maafaru International Airport was announced by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih last March. The UAE Government has pledged financial assistance for the project.
Maafaru International Airport was developed with a 3,200 metre runway. The airport was developed from a USD 60 million grant aid by Abu Dhabi Fund for Development.
The airport began operations on December 1.