MACL Contracts Beijing Firm for Runway Repair at Velana International Airport

The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has awarded a contract to China’s Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) to refurbish the original runway at Velana International Airport (VIA), currently functioning as a taxiway.

The project, named ‘Taxiway Charlie Rebuild’, aims to bring the ageing infrastructure up to modern standards and create a parallel taxiway.

advertisement

Exciting progress at @VelanaAirport ! In alignment with the vision of His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and the 20-year masterplan for the development of Velana International Airport and the Economic Zone, today we commence the rebuilding of Taxiway Charlie. This is a… pic.twitter.com/ZGQzWb3lq1— Maldives Airports Company Ltd (@MACLmedia) October 15, 2024

At an official handover ceremony held at VIA yesterday, MACL confirmed that the project work will commence in November 2023, with an anticipated completion by mid-2027. The 3,200-metre runway, constructed in 1976 as the first at the airport, was repurposed in 2022 as a taxiway after a new runway was introduced, reducing waiting times for aircraft.

MACL Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed highlighted the urgent need for repair, citing the deterioration of the original runway as a potential economic risk if emergency options become limited. Currently, the taxiway serves as an alternative landing option during emergencies.

The existing runway at VIA was also built by BUCG, with financial support from China’s EXIM Bank. Completed at a cost of USD 450 million, the 3,400-metre, 60-metre-wide runway accommodates large aircraft, including Airbus A380s.