Land reclamation has commenced for the development of a new airport in Alifu Alifu Mathiveri following President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to the island.

The Government awarded MACL the project during a community meeting at Mathiveri on Tuesday night. The project is planned to proceed on a cross-subsidy basis, a model announced earlier this year, and will involve significant infrastructure works.

Plans include a 1,500-metre runway with a width of 30 metres, alongside taxiways, aprons, passenger terminals, fire stations and access roads. The project will be fully financed by MACL, including land reclamation and airport development, without Government funding.

Speaking to Mathiveri residents, the President noted that 26.5 hectares of land would be acquired from the island to facilitate the airport development. This reclaimed land, he said, would also be utilised for housing and other related projects.

During his visit, the President stated that the new facility would open important opportunities for the tourism industry. The Administration anticipates that land reclamation and airport development will be completed within two years and six months. He further noted that the airport is expected to serve not only Mathiveri and its surrounding Atoll, but also contribute to the wider growth of the national tourism sector.