Malaysian company contracted to build airports in 5 islands

Malaysian company, Gryphon Energy has been contracted to build regional airports in five Maldivian islands; H. Dh. Kulhudhuffushi, F. Nilandhoo, G. Dh. Maavarulu, G. Dh. Faresmaathoda and Sh. Funadhoo.

The contract for the USD 57.5 million project was signed in a function held this Tuesday morning at the Ministry of Tourism by Minister of Tourism of Maldives, Moosa Zameer, and Chief Corporate Officer of Gryphon Energy, Dirk Quinten.

Speaking to press after signing the contract, Minister Moosa Zameer said the five airports were scheduled to be built and opened by October, 2018.

Moosa Zameer said that the biggest challenge in the project would be to build the airport in Kulhudhuffushi as it would require reclaiming the island’s swamp as land.

Land will also be reclaimed in Nilandhoo and Faresmaathoda to build the airport.

The minister said the airport in Maavarulu was expected to be complete and opened within this year.

“Environmental assessments have been done for some of the airports and assessments will be done on the rest as well… This is part of the project to improve the transportation system of Maldives,” said Moosa Zameer.

CCO of Gryphon Energy, Quinten commented that the company was receiving huge support from the Maldivian government for the project.