Govt replaces Belgian firm Besix in Villingili airport project

The government has decided to proceed with the development of an international airport in GA. Villingili with a new contractor, replacing Belgian construction company Besix, which signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the project in February 2024.

Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen announced on Sunday night that construction work on the airport is expected to begin before the end of November.

Speaking at the Ahaa public forum organised by the President's Office and Public Service Media (PSM), Ameen said the government was preparing to sign an agreement with a new contractor and commence work on the project.

"God willing, I believe physical work will begin before the end of November this year," Ameen said in response to a question from a member of the public.

The minister did not disclose why the government had decided against proceeding with Besix, which was previously selected for the project in 2024.

He also did not identify the company expected to take over the development.

Besix, a Belgian construction company involved in the construction of Dubai's Burj Khalifa, had signed an MoU with the government on 22 February 2024 for the development of the airport.

The construction of an international airport in Villingili is among President Mohamed Muizzu's electoral pledges.

Under the original development proposal, the project was estimated to cost USD 700 million and included an international airport alongside tourism infrastructure.

The first phase was to include a 2,700-metre runway, with plans to extend it to 3,400 metres upon completion of the overall development.

The proposal also included the development of eight tourist resorts, 17 smaller islands for tourism purposes and a yacht marina.

It remains unclear whether the government intends to retain the original project scope and estimated cost under the new contractor arrangement.

The announcement marks a change in the development arrangements for the proposed airport, more than two years after the government signed its initial agreement with Besix.