Prepared to take over as INIA operator: MACL

Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the previous operator of Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (INIA), Mohamed Ibrahim has said that MACL is prepared to take over INIA from current operator GMR.

In an interview with Sun Online today, Mohamed Ibrahim said that the current staff of GMR are former employees of MACL, and that MACL can operate the airport in a manner that is more profitable for the country.

“The staff were transferred from MACL to GMR. So if we regain those employees along with the airport, we won’t have any problems operating INIA,” he said.

He said that INIA was awarded to GMR not because MACL could not operate or develop it; rather, it was a move that followed a completely different vision.

“When we operated INIA, we controlled the prices. Now we keep hearing that fuel and other prices are being increased. They operate INIA in an entirely different scenario. GMR is making much higher profits,” he said.

He said that Island Aviation and other Maldivian companies will benefit more if INIA was operated by MACL.

“Right now we are not even receiving the concession fee. This is not how it should be. If we operated the airport, Island Aviation, duty free shops and guest houses will enjoy better profits,” he said.

Economic Minister Mohamed Ahmed said at a press conference held last Thursday that the government will make a profit of MVR62 billion in 25 years from INIA if it was operated by MACL.

In comparison, the income to the government from GMR for 25 years is estimated at around MVR30 billion.

The government has said that the agreement with GMR does not benefit the government at all.

Mohamed Ibrahim also said that MACL is not currently in discussion with GMR on any issue.