Construction of the domestic airport on Magoodhoo in Faafu Atoll has progressed to the interior fit-out phase of the passenger terminal, marking a significant stage in the development of the island’s aviation infrastructure. The project forms part of a broader 30-hectare land reclamation and infrastructure initiative launched in 2022 to enhance regional connectivity and support long-term economic opportunities in the atoll.
The development is being implemented by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), the state-owned contractor responsible for executing the USD 14.98 million project. According to the company, ongoing work is focused on completing reclamation zones and strengthening shoreline protection measures. In areas where land expansion has been finalised, rock boulders are being installed along the coast to stabilise reclaimed terrain and safeguard the infrastructure against coastal erosion.
Progress across several core components of the airport has continued steadily. The passenger terminal building has reached approximately 48 percent completion and has now advanced beyond primary structural works to interior installations, including tiling and the fitting of internal fixtures. The development of the airport’s runway is also moving forward, with the 1,200-metre runway reported to be 58 percent complete. Foundational layers for the runway have already been prepared in anticipation of asphalt surfacing in the upcoming phase of construction. Supporting infrastructure such as the airport fire station has also seen notable progress, with construction reaching approximately 67 percent completion.
The project gained renewed momentum following an engagement by Dr Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Maldives. During an official visit to Magoodhoo last year, residents raised concerns regarding the pace of the project amid speculation that development priorities might shift toward a proposed airfield in neighbouring Nilandhoo. Addressing the island’s community of approximately 1,000 residents on 21 September, President Muizzu assured the public that the Magoodhoo domestic airport would be completed within one year.
With the main structural shells of the terminal and auxiliary facilities now established, the project has transitioned toward detailed technical and interior requirements. MTCC has indicated that construction workflows are being adjusted to meet the government’s accelerated timeline and operational standards. Once completed, the airport is expected to enhance domestic transport connectivity within Faafu Atoll, supporting the mobility of residents while creating opportunities for tourism development and regional economic activity across the central Maldives.
advertisment
advertisment
