Sun Siyam Resorts awarded Maafaru airport project

Sun Siyam Resorts Private Limited has been awarded the project to build and operate an airport in N. Maafaru.

The 50-year contract was signed in a function held this Wednesday at Ministry of Tourism by Minister of Tourism Moosa Zameer and Director of Sun Siyam Resorts, N. Kendhikulhudhoo MP Ali Mauroof.

Mauroof reported to “Sun” that the company will complete construction of the airport in 24 months (2 years).

He said the airport will have a 1.8 kilometer runway, and will be able to accommodate high-class jets.

“N. Atoll is one of the main hubs of Maldivian tourism industry. The wealthy tourists who come to N. Atoll on their jets will come straight to Maafaru airport without going to Male’,” said Mauroof.

Mauroof said the company will develop parking facilities for jets at the airport so that jets going to northern atolls can part at Maafaru airport, thereby releasing the pressure on Velana International Airport.

Sun Siyam Resorts will also be building a 50-bed city hotel at Maafaru.

Speaking to “Sun” Mauroof said the government had shed its policy of offering uninhabited islands to companies to sweeten the pot as most domestic airport often run on loss.

He said uninhabited islands had not been part of the deal to build and run an airport in Maafaru.

“We weren’t awarded this project with uninhabited islands. We, ourselves, made no such demand,” said Mauroof.

Mauroof said the airport and hotel in Maafaru was a USD 15 million investment by Sun Siyam Resorts, and that the company hoped the people of N. Atoll will reap the benefits of the project.

Mauroof said the project will develop transportation, develop tourism, and boost the economy of the atoll as a whole.

The function this Wednesday to sign the contract was also attended by directors of Sun Siyam Resorts; Hussain Salim Mohamed, Ahmed Shakir and Zulaikha Manik.