Land reclamation commences for long-delayed Dhidhdhoo airport

Physical works have commenced on the reclamation of land required for the development airport and other essential infrastructure in HA. Dhidhdhoo.

Dhidhdhoo Council President Abdulla Rasheed told Sun that the reclamation operations at the island’s westside lagoon commenced at approximately 4:00am Monday morning.

Prior to this, Dhidhdhoo councilor Abdulla Waheed told Sun that the reclamation operations at the island’s westside lagoon will be completed within two to three months at the earliest.

The reclamation is being carried out by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), which will add 110 hectares of land to Dhidhdhoo for the airport and related facilities.

During a visit to the island in late January last year, President Dr. Mohamed described Dhidhdhoo Airport project as a central part of his administration’s regional development plans. He assured the community that arrangements have been made for the commencement of physical works on the project, adding that land reclamation and construction of the airport would progress rapidly. The President expressed that he intends to return to the island to inaugurate the airport on its inaugural flight.

The airport development project was awarded to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) on April 19, 2024, for MVR 257.21 million. However, practical work has not yet begun.

The Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee subsequently sought an explanation for the delay from Transport Ministry, which replied that it had not commenced any work on the project. The Construction Ministry also informed the Committee that although MTCC was awarded the reclamation and shore protection works on April 19, 2024, it had not commenced any work, including conducting the feasibility study.

At present, Dhidhdhoo depends on Hanimaadhoo International Airport for air travel, with the journey between the two islands taking about 15 minutes by boat.