Maldives, Abu Dhabi Fund hold talks on Maafaru airport expansion

The Maldivian government has held discussions with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development on the next phase of the expansion of Noonu Maafaru International Airport.

Maafaru International Airport, which handles the highest number of private jet movements in the Maldives outside the Greater Malé area, was originally developed with grant assistance from the Abu Dhabi Fund.

Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen said on Tuesday that the meeting focused on Phase Three of the airport's expansion, which is intended to further develop the country's tourism and transport infrastructure.

He said the opportunity to hold discussions with the Abu Dhabi Fund on the project was welcomed.

Expansion work is already underway to increase aircraft parking capacity at the airport. Once completed, the apron will be able to accommodate up to 30 private jets at the same time.

Separately, a US$3.6 million contract to expand the airport's passenger terminal was awarded to a Chinese company.

The terminal expansion project was handed over in November last year with a completion period of 10 months.