Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has revealed the airport development project in Hoarafushi, Haa Alifu Atoll can be completed by the end of September.
MTCC completed the dredging and reclamation of 842,200 cubic metres of land required for the airport development project on August 30, last year. In addition, MTCC completed the construction of 1,120 metres of revetment in March 2020.
The state-owned enterprise said the development of the airport is moving forward with 83% of the project airport completed so far. The project will include a 1,200 metre runway, an 8,635 square-metre apron and taxiway, service roads, a 9,473 square-metre parking area, a 1,718 square-metre of fire access roads and 720 metres of airport security and beach fence area.
The previous administration had planned to develop an airport in Maafinolhu, an uninhabited island lying in the same lagoon as Hoarafushi. However, the current administration has decided to develop the airport in Hoarafushi, in an effort to reduce the destruction of delicate green islands. The administration initially announced the development of the airport would be completed within 16 months.
Hoarafushi has a population of over 3,400 people. The airport developed in the island will be the first in Haa Alifu Atoll.