Development work on the new terminal at Dharavandhoo Airport in Baa Atoll is expected to begin later this year.
According to Ibrahim Iyas, Managing Director at Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL), the company is currently in the process of selecting a contractor for the project. He said the airport has been managed by IASL since its opening, although it was previously owned by a private company called Coastline.
Iyas said the government officially handed over the airport to IASL in April this year, following an announcement made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu during a recent visit to the island, where he pledged to handover the airport to the company and develop its terminal.
Iyas said contractor selection on a contractor-financing basis will be completed in the coming months, with construction set to begin later this year. The due date to submit proposals has been set for 4 June.
The new terminal is designed to improve passenger services, featuring a larger arrival hall, self-service kiosks, and three gates. The terminal will incorporate modern design elements that show the Maldives’ underwater scenery. The terminal will be able to handle 175 passengers at a time, and include a 75-seat lounge and a baby care facility. Once completed, the airport will be able to accommodate three aircraft simultaneously.