The government of the Maldives has taken a significant step towards expanding its aviation capabilities by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China CAMC Engineering Co. Ltd. The agreement paves the way for the redevelopment of Kadhdhoo Airport into an international airport.
The signing ceremony took place in Laamu Fonadhoo on Thursday and was attended by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. In conjunction with the MoU, land reclamation and coastal protection projects were initiated to support the airport’s development.
Dr Abdulla Muththalib, the Minister for Construction and Infrastructure, and Li Weiwei, General Manager of China CAMC Engineering Co. Ltd., signed the MoU, which outlines the key elements of the redevelopment project. The revamped airport will feature a 2.45-kilometre runway and a passenger terminal designed to accommodate a peak capacity of 300 passengers per hour.
To facilitate this expansion, a substantial land reclamation and coastal protection project is underway. This component will see the reclamation of 56.60 hectares of land and the construction of a 4433-metre revetment.
The redevelopment of Kadhdhoo Airport represents a significant investment in the Maldives’ tourism sector and is expected to boost the nation’s connectivity with the rest of the world.