Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) has handed over the first phase of the Taxiway Charlie rebuild project to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), marking significant progress in the ongoing development of Velana International Airport.
The project, which is divided into four phases, was signed with BUCG on 16 October 2024 and officially commenced on 10 April 2025. The first phase has been completed 84 days ahead of schedule, a milestone MACL described as a testament to strong cooperation between the two parties.
An official handover ceremony was held at Hulhule’ Island Hotel, where MACL Deputy Managing Director Mujthaba Latheef presented the certificate of completion to BUCG Project Director Kang Guangbao. The event was attended by MACL Chairperson Ayesha Nurain Janah, BUCG International’s Zhang Fenglin, members of the MACL Board, Director of the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority Fathimath Ramiza, Managing Director of Maldives National Air Traffic Service Ibrahim Thoha, and members of the MACL Executive Committee.
Speaking at the ceremony, MACL Chairperson Ayesha Nurain Janah described the rebuild as a new chapter in the airport’s development. She said the upgraded taxiway would improve the efficiency of air traffic at Velana International Airport and extended gratitude to BUCG for its role as a long-term partner in key infrastructure projects.
Taxiway Charlie, originally constructed in 1976 as the airport’s first runway, has played a historic role in Maldivian aviation. It was upgraded in 1981 to handle wide-body aircraft and has since undergone several extensions. After the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the runway required constant repairs. With the opening of the new Code F runway in October 2022, the old runway was officially converted into Taxiway Charlie, maintaining its place as a vital part of airport operations.
The rebuild of Taxiway Charlie is one of several major infrastructure projects being carried out to expand capacity and modernise Velana International Airport.
