Abu Dhabi pledged MVR 1.2b for airport completion, Muizzu's office says

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has pledged MVR 1.2 billion to President-elect Dr Mohamed Muizzu to complete the long-delayed new terminal project at the Velana International Airport (VIA), his office announced on Wednesday.

The president-elect's spokesperson Mohamed Firzul told reporters at a press briefing that the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has assured Muizzu on his one-day unofficial visit to the UAE on Monday that it will provide the necessary funds for the completion of the airport project.

According to Firzul, an additional $79.80 million is required to complete the project, which has been delayed due to design changes.

“In response to that request, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has assured us of providing $80 million, in other words, MVR 1.2 billion,” Firzul said, without specifying whether it was a grant or a loan.

He said the funds were secured to ensure that the project would be completed and the airport would be opened by next year's tourist peak season.

In addition, Firzul mentioned the UAE's assurances to Muizzu:

Muizzu had on October 30 expressed confidence that the new terminal of Velana International Airport (VIA) will be completed by September 2024, eight months ahead of the current schedule.

Saudi Arabia's Bin Laden Group was awarded the contract to build the new terminal. The company has subcontracted the project to China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC).

Saudi Arabia has recently decided to provide an additional $100 million loan to complete the terminal.

The airport's new terminal: