New airport development close to near complete Magoodhoo airport
Under an agreement with the Ministry of Finance, Regional Airports Company Limited (RACL) has been handed over all the powers to operate the airport.
By
Shahudha Mohamed
The airport, which was started by the last government in F. Magoodhoo, is only eight kilometers away from F. Nilandhoo. The government has signed an agreement to conduct surveys and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the construction of an airport in Nilandhoo while the airport at Magoodhoo is almost completed.
At a ceremony held at the Construction Ministry on Thursday, MTCC has been awarded the contract to conduct the EIA and surveys required to start the dredging and beach protection works for the Nilandhoo Airport.
Speaking after the signing of the agreement, Construction Minister Dr Abdullah Muthalib said the EIA and surveys will be completed within this year.
When asked by Atoll Times how he is looking at the construction of the airport in Nilandhoo, the minister said it is being carried out because it is an infrastructure development project included in this year's budget under the ministry's mandate.
Muthalib also mentioned that the distance between Magoodhoo and Nilandhoo is only 15 minutes. However, he said the construction ministry does not determine the sites for the airport, the housing ministry does.
He also reiterated that the Ministry of Construction will continue to carry out the designated projects.
He added that:
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The Nilandhoo Airport was also planned and drawn by the government of former President Abdullah Yameen
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The locations of the airports are determined based on the development of tourism
The previous government spent MVR 230 million, and MTCC is developing the airport in Magoodhoo to serve jet planes as well.
Magoodhoo Airport:
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The runway has been extended to 1,800 metres
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The airport fire building has been completed
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The structure of the passenger terminal building has been completed and finishing work has started
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A jet parking area and a jet fuel farm are under construction
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A special hotel for the jets' crews will also be developed
Under an agreement with the Ministry of Finance, Regional Airports Company Limited (RACL) has been handed over all the powers to operate the airport. Regional Airports said in November that the airport would be operational this month if work continued on schedule.
