This is how to develop Gan airport; will expand later: Fayyaz
"Some people might point out that the airport in Addu is a normal terminal. We have done this to ensure that Addu's economy moves forward at the earliest".
By
Ahmed Mizyal
Economy minister Fayyaz Ismail said on Sunday that the current scope of Gan International Airport development is the way to expand and upgrade the airport at the earliest, and that it will be further expanded when the airport becomes operational and starts generating revenue.
An agreement has been signed on Sunday for the expansion and modernisation of Addu Gan International Airport, the oldest airport in the Maldives, to Renaatas Projects of India.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the conference hall of H. Meerumaage on Sunday, Fayyaz said that the plan to develop Gan Airport was planned in consultation with Addu International Airport Company, which operates the airport.
"We have been doing this in the last few years in consultation with the shareholders and the board of the airport company to raise funds for the development of Addu Airport as per their wishes," the minister said.
"I am noting this, as some people might point out that the airport in Addu is a normal terminal. We have done this to ensure that Addu's economy moves forward at the earliest. We can demolish it later and make something new when we get the funds. We are doing it with a very practical mindset."
Fayyaz was referring to the private sector's role in the plan to develop the Gan airport.
On February 15, 2023, a resolution was submitted to the Parliament demanding the lease of Addu's airport and port to a private company.
Reacting to this, Fayyaz said it was privatised long ago and he did not think of a way to re-privatise it.
"We are talking about privatising Addu International Airport by moving a resolution in parliament, but it was privatised many years ago. The company has general private shareholders. It is not a government company alone," the minister said.
"So, in the development of this place, the extent of development, the manner in which it will be developed and how it will be developed, there is a huge contribution to all this."
Shares of Addu International Airport Company have been divided:
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Government: 70%
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Casa Holdings: 30%
Gan International Airport Project:
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Cost: USD 29.7 million (MVR 455.9 million)
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Deadline given for completion: Two years
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An international terminal will be developed with state-of-the-art facilities to cater to 1.5 crore passengers annually
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A new control tower will be constructed
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Fire station to be constructed
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Cargo facilities will be developed along with cold storage for the airport
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Airport roads and parking areas to be developed
