Maafaru Airport opened for development

Transport Ministry has announced to seek parties interested in developing and managing Noonu Maafaru Airport. The agreement made with Noonu Hotels was terminated.

The announcement comes following disconcerted protests staged by the Maafaru people regarding the delay in the work of the airport. Protesters gave the government a period of 3 months to solve the issue.

Transport Ministry has announced to find parties interested in developing and managing airport, to which the government would also award a tourist resort for its development and operation. The bid is open for both local and international parties. The Transport Ministry announcement stated for interested parties to submit their Expression of Interests (EoI) by the 14th of this month.

In 2008, Maumoon administration awarded Maafaru airport to be developed by Noonu Hotels, along with MVR 7 million. Transport Ministry has said that even though the agreement has now been revoked, the company has failed to pay back the money.