The third phase of the Taxiway Charlie Rebuild Project at Velana International Airport (VIA) has commenced, in efforts to upgrade the airport’s airside infrastructure.

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) awarded the project to China’s Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG), with the agreement signed on October 16, 2024. The project began on April 10, 2025 and is being implemented in four phases.

Under the third phase, 1,100 metres of the taxiway will be redeveloped, with completion targeted for October 31, 2026.

Originally constructed in 1976 as VIA’s first runway, the 3,200-metre strip was later upgraded in 1981 to accommodate wide-body aircraft. It has since undergone several extensions and repairs, including urgent rehabilitation following damage caused by the 2004 tsunami, before being converted into a taxiway in October 2022 after the introduction of the current Code F runway.

The ongoing redevelopment aims to modernise the taxiway to support current operational demands, including improved durability, efficiency and aircraft movement within the airport.