VIA’s Taxiway Charlie being rebuilt for use also as a secondary runway in emergencies

Physical works on rebuilding Velana International Airport (VIA)’s Taxiway Charlie was commenced on Thursday.

The project, which is a part of the mega VIA’s Expansion and Economic Zone Development Project, was contracted to by China’s Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG).

It was inaugurated during a ceremony held at VIA’s Noovilu Seaplane Terminal which was attended by Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed, the Ambassador of China to the Maldives Wang Lixin, MACL’s CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, BUCG’s General Manager Luo Wei and senior officials from MACL, Maldives Civil Aviation Authority, and Maldives National Air Traffic Service.

MACL and BUCG finalized the Project Taxiway Charlie Rebuilt via a Memorandum of Understanding, signed by MACL’s CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed and BUCG’s General Manager Luo Wei.

The 3,200-meter Taxiway Charlie project is set to begin in November this year, with a completion target of mid-2027. 

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, MACL’s CEO and Managing Director Shareef highlighted the importance of the Taxiway Charlie development as part of VIA's 20-year master plan, citing the project would enhance operational capabilities and reduce aircraft turnaround times. He noted that Taxiway Charlie would also be available as a secondary runway in emergencies. 

Shareef also spoke regarding BUCG’s reliable project completion track record. In this regard, UCG has previously executed several major projects at VIA, including the operationalization of the Code F runway, the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal, a new fire station, a cargo terminal, and a new fuel farm.

Economic Minister Saeed who also spoke at the ceremony emphasized the strategic significance of VIA’s development as a government initiative, forecasting an increase in tourist arrivals to 2.4 million in the near future. He described MACL as a pillar of the Maldivian economy, with VIA's growth integral to the nation's economic development. Minister Saeed also highlighted the strong Maldives-China relationship and China's contributions to national projects.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Wang expressed China’s support for the ongoing expansion, noting the importance of VIA’s development in positioning the Maldives as a leading global destination. She also commended MACL’s effective management and the close cooperation between China and the Maldives on these projects.