The Maldives Airports Company Ltd. (MACL) has officially launched the redevelopment of the former runway at Velana International Airport (VIA), a transformative infrastructure upgrade aimed at enhancing airport operations, safety, and efficiency. This revitalization project aligns with the national 20-year airport development masterplan initiated under the leadership of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, and was awarded to Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) following a formal agreement signed on October 24, 2024.
On April 10, 2025, a special ceremony was held to commemorate the beginning of construction on Taxiway Charlie, with the participation of distinguished guests including Mr. Li Weidong, Chairman of BUCG, and Ms. He Fen, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of China. The event marked a major milestone in MACL’s broader efforts to increase the operational readiness and passenger-handling capacity of the Maldives’ main international airport.
The 3,200-meter former runway, which was decommissioned in 2022 after the opening of the new Code-F runway, has since functioned as a taxiway. With the current redevelopment, this strip will be restored to serve as an emergency runway, according to MACL Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed. He noted that the upgraded infrastructure would not only reinforce emergency response capabilities but also help streamline the daily operations of commercial flights.
One of the major benefits of the redevelopment includes a reduction in average aircraft turnaround time by approximately 20 minutes, significantly improving scheduling and passenger flow. Mohamed emphasized that such improvements are part of MACL’s commitment to refining traveler experience while catering to the increasing demand for air travel to and from the Maldives. “We are in close coordination with our airline partners to ensure that construction activities are carried out with minimal impact on current operations,” he added.
The Taxiway Charlie reconstruction is among several key infrastructure upgrades planned to support the growing volume of travelers passing through VIA. As part of the masterplan, MACL aims to position the airport as a world-class hub capable of handling future aviation needs with greater agility.
Mohamed expressed optimism in BUCG’s ability to deliver the project on schedule, highlighting their past collaborations as a foundation for confidence. With a shared commitment to excellence, this partnership is expected to ensure the successful realization of a critical aviation asset.
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