MACL awarded construction of the first airport in AA. Mathiveri

The government has awarded Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) the contract to dredge land, develop, and operate the first airport in Alif Alif (AA.) Atoll, a region home to several tourist resorts.

The airport will be developed on Mathiveri Island, fulfilling a key campaign pledge by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The contract was signed during the President’s current visit to the atoll.

The agreement was signed on behalf of the Ministry of Finance by State Minister Hussain Imran Abdul Muhaimin, while MACL Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed signed on behalf of the company.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, President Muizzu announced that MACL will fully invest in and operate the airport project.

“The project will provide 26.5 hectares of land, not only for the airport but also for housing and other development needs on the island,” the President said.

He further added, “This is a fully viable and resilient project that meets all technical and regulatory requirements.”

President Muizzu confirmed that the entire project will be completed within 30 months.

Mathiveri MP Hassan Zareer expressed gratitude on behalf of the constituency, calling the project the realization of a long-standing dream.

“The people of Mathiveri have been requesting an airport through many administrations, and it has finally been delivered by President Muizzu.”

During his previous visit to Mathiveri in December last year, President Muizzu emphasized the importance of an airport for the region, highlighting its reliance on tourism. He reiterated that the new airport will support the expansion of the tourism sector, create more opportunities for local businesses, and stimulate sustainable economic growth in the atoll.