Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has stated that the airport development project had cost US$ 800 million, as both terminal and runway had to be built simultaneously.
He said the Government had the vision to cater to seven million passengers annually, thereby eliminating congestion at the airport.
Minister Saeeed said some flights had to taxi above the airport as they were not able to land at peak hours, noting that this was a key issue. He added the new terminal will be built with aerobridges which will drastically improve services at the airport.
Minister Saeed further added that the issue had been occurring for many years but a solution had not been found.
“Even in the GMR contract this was not highlighted as an issue. A second runway was not part of that agreement,”
The airport terminal construction is set to begin this week and once completed is expected to change the nation.