GMR to operate alcohol and tobacco shops at airport: President

President Mohamed Nasheed has said that GMR, the company which operates Ibrahim Nasir Male’ International Airport, is to handle the trade of alcohol and tobacco at the duty-free shops at the airport.

Speaking at a press conference held after the foundation-laying ceremony of the Airport’s new terminal, The President said that it has been agreed that the sale of alcohol and tobacco at the airport will be carried out by GMR, and this agreement was made because the profit from this business is crucial for GMR in the operation of the airport.

The President said that he is aware of the losses incurred by the current traders of alcohol and tobacco at duty-free shops at the airport, who have been notified to close down.

“I am aware that this means huge losses for the major companies in the alcohol and tobacco industry in the Maldives. They are good friends of mine; however, I do not favor my relatives or friends in my policies. I work for the benefit of the nation and Maldivian citizens,” The President said.

The President also said that the new terminal which will open in 2014, will hold more opportunities for duty-free shops and Maldivian parties are welcome to manage them.

“Completely new types of shops are planned for this terminal. For example, opportunities to operate stationery shops, tie shops, bag shops will open up. Those who have had to close down their businesses now, will have the opportunity to go into these new areas of business,” The President said.

In defense of GMR’s notice to Bonito, the company which handles cargo at the airport, to close down their business, he said that in order to achieve an airport which fits international standards, these services have to come under the same roof as the party which manages the airport. He also said that in the worlds’ larger airports, cargo is handled by the companies which manage the airport.

“It is Maldivians who will be employed for these jobs. The only difference will be that they will wear nice uniforms and perfumes. Not like it is now, where employees at the airport shout at one another all the time. It will be more civilized than that,” The President said.

GMR has notified the operators of duty-free shops at the airport and Bonito Groups to close down their operations.