MTCC, MACL sign agreement for airport assessments in R. Fainu

The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) have signed an agreement to conduct assessments before the commencement of construction on the proposed airport in R. Fainu.

President Mohamed Muizzu previously stated that the airport project would be handed over to MTCC this month. When asked about the agreement, MACL confirmed that it was signed to carry out the necessary assessments before work begins. No further details were provided.

Following the signing, MACL stated in a post on 'X' that the project aligns with President Muizzu’s vision to strengthen the Maldives' transport system and economic growth.

During a visit to R. Fainu on 23rd last month, the president assured that work on the airport would begin soon. He stated that the project would contribute to the economic development of the local community and the surrounding areas, creating employment opportunities and paving the way for more resorts in the region.

"In this atoll, I have promised that we will allow more resorts to be developed during this term. This will contribute to the growth of the tourism industry and provide more opportunities," he said.

The president added that priority would be given to the airport project.

The decision to build an airport in R. Fainu has faced opposition in the past. During former President Abdulla Yameen’s administration, plans were made to develop a city hotel with a domestic airport. Concerns were raised over the project’s impact, including:

Following a change in government, the MDP-led administration decided to relocate the airport project to Beriyanfaru in the same atoll.

Currently, Raa Atoll has an operational airport in Ifuru, and the previous government had initiated work to develop another airport in the region.