Land reclamation begins for Vihafaru airport project

Land reclamation works for the development of an airport in N. Vihafaru began on Thursday.

The commencement of works was marked by a ceremony attended by President Mohamed Muizzu. The project was inaugurated by Mohamed Saeed and Ibrahim Shareef, Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited.

Following the ceremony, the President and accompanying officials inspected the project site to review initial progress.

Plans to develop an airport in Vihafaru were announced through a presidential decree issued in March 2024. During a visit to the atoll in July last year, the President said the project would begin in early 2026.

The President has stated that while an airport operates in Maafaru, an additional airport is required to serve the areas of Holhudhoo, Velidhoo, and Fodhdhoo.

According to the project scope, the development will involve dredging more than 40 hectares of land to a height of 1.6 metres.