President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Qayyoom has launched the first phase of the development of Ibrahim Nasir International Airport.
The project of USD 800 million has been contracted to China’s Beijin Urban Construction Group (BUCG). A new 3,400-meter-long and 65-meter-wide runway would be built under the project. The new runway can accommodate the A380 Airbus, the biggest commercially used airplane. And the old runway would be changed into a taxi-way.
The fuel farm at the airport would also be upgraded to house three times more fuel than the current farm. And with the new hydrant system, airplanes can be fueled via tube. The project also includes a modern cargo complex that would speed up the process of departing and arriving cargo.
MACL MD Adil Moosa said with the development, the issue of space will be resolved.
“Now we have to keep the flights in air, all issues related to runway will be resolved,” he said.
Adil Moosa noted jet fueling will also be improved, noting a pipe can be laid towards the flight and fueled.
Chinese Embassy’s Charge D’Affairs Liu QuiYan said China had always supported the Maldives’ in all development efforts.
Airport development first phase launched
