The road development for the Addu Gan International Airport project has been completed, marking a significant milestone in the redevelopment of the southern atoll’s main air gateway.
According to Addu International Airport Company (AIA) Managing Director Mohamed Waheed Hussain, 4.3 kilometres of new road have been finished, with the final traffic markings currently underway. The work is part of a broader redevelopment funded through the Indian Line of Credit, which aims to upgrade the airport into a state-of-the-art facility capable of handling 1.5 million passengers annually.
For years, efforts to modernise the airport have faced delays and setbacks. With the new road nearing full completion, the focus now shifts to expanding the passenger terminal. Waheed told PSM News that two extensions are under construction, a 15-metre addition on one side and a 75-metre expansion on the other. While the timeline indicates the work should be completed by the end of this year, Waheed acknowledged there may be some delays, adding that the project is expected to conclude by early next year.
The current phase of construction is intended to pave the way for further upgrades to the existing terminal, which is to be modernised with improved facilities. Waheed also highlighted the difficulties of keeping airport operations running smoothly while major development is underway.
The project has drawn public concern over the removal of old shelter trees during the roadwork. In response, the company has committed to planting large trees on both sides of the newly paved roads to restore shade and greenery.
Redevelopment of Addu International Airport has been ongoing for more than a decade. Its existing infrastructure already includes a 3,000-metre-long runway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777. Once complete, the project is expected to reinforce the airport’s role as a vital hub for tourism and trade in the southern Maldives.
