The first phase of redevelopment works on Taxiway Charlie at Velana International Airport has been completed 84 days ahead of schedule and formally handed over to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).

The project, awarded to Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) on 15 October 2024, began on 10 April this year. It is being carried out in four phases as part of MACL’s wider efforts to modernise Velana Airport infrastructure. A ceremony was held on 22 August for the handover of the first phase at Hulhulé Island Hotel, and was attended by senior officials from MACL, BUCG and the Civil Aviation Authority.

Speaking at the event, MACL’s Deputy Managing Director Mujthaba Latheef presented the certificate of completion to BUCG Project Director Kang Guang Bo. MACL Chairperson Aisha Noorain Janah said the redevelopment of Taxiway Charlie will ease operations for airlines using the airport, and thanked BUCG for its role as a reliable partner in expanding Velana International Airport.

The old 3,200-metre runway, built in 1976, was decommissioned following the opening of the Code-F runway in 2022 and has since been used as Taxiway Charlie. Once the full redevelopment is completed, MACL expects the average turnaround time for commercial aircraft to be reduced by up to 20 minutes, enhancing efficiency at the airport.