MACL contracts MTCC to develop airport in Fainu

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) on Sunday contracted the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) to build an airport in R. Fainu.

The contract was signed by MACL’s CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef and MTCC’s Managing Director Ahmed Saudee in the morning. The signing was also attended by Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah.

The development of an airport in Fainu was originally a pledge by former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom. However, the plan met with resistance from environmentalists and the birth of the ‘Save Fainu’ movement over potential irrevocable damage to the island’s environment.

His successor, former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced that the airport will be built in an uninhabited island close to Fainu, instead of the island itself. However, practical works on the project were never initiated.

During his presidential campaign in 2023, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu promised he would build an airport in Fainu if elected.

During a visit to Fainu in January, President Muizzu said the project will boost the region’s economy by creating resorts and employment opportunities.

He said that he hopes to open the airport in his next visit to Fainu.