MACL to complete Thimarafushi Airport in one year

Th. Thimarafushi Airport has been handed over to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) to be developed within 12 months.

The ceremony to sign the Thimarafushi Airport Agreement between MACL and Ministry of Transport was held last night at MACL office. Minister of Transport Ahmed Shamheed signed on behalf of the state, and Managing Director of MACL Mohamed Ibrahim signed on behalf of MACL.

A 1200 meter long, 30 meter wide runway will be constructed on Thimarafushi Airport.

Shamheed said in an interview with Sun Online today that MACL must complete construction of the runway and begin operation of the airport within 12 months, but other facilities can be developed within a period of fifty years. The profit of MACL will be invested in developing the airport, which will require about $6 million.

“All we have in Thimarafushi is a piece of reclaimed land. MACL will invest its profit in the development and operation of the airport. Airport operation will hopefully begin after 12 months.”

Shamheed further said that six regional airports are to be handed over to MACL, of which Sh. Farukolhufushi and Dh. Kudahuvadhoo Airports will be handed over soon.

“The rest are still undecided, because agreements have been made for them, but no work has commenced,” he said.

MD of MACL Mohamed Ibrahim said that work is underway to draw up agreements with MTCC or the development of Thimarafushi Airport.

“A memorandum of understanding will be signed with MTCC, following which the machinery and survey work will begin,” Mohamed said.

He added that this project will not result in any profit for MACL; regional airports are not profitable in general.

“There is no benefit in it for us, this is a service for the public,” he said.

Transport Ministry said that about Rf 40 million needs to be spent on regional airports without any profit.