Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has revealed their decision to move an airport development project from Maafinolhu island in Haa Alifu atoll, to Hoarafushi island in the same atoll.

Speaking to press on Thursday, MTCC’s Managing Director Hassan Shah revealed that the current government intends to build the airport in a “Jazeera” or island-like structure that preserves the island’s natural allure.

While the project was launched last year, reclamation work in Maafinolhu island began ahead of last year's presidential elections.

Noting that the project has now been relocated to Hoarafushi island, Shah said that this is also because they are yet to begin any work to develop the airport.

Highlighting that he hopes the official documents to contract the company with the airport development will be signed within the coming week, MTCC’s Construction and Projects Head Ahmed Latheef revealed that the Ministry of Tourism had during the previous administration of Abdulla Yameen, contracted MTCC with the airport development project during May 2018.

The project had been at a standstill since the presidential election concluded last September, MTCC further revealed.

MTCC was to reclaim 16 hectares of land for the airport development project and the contract estimates the project to cost MVR 64 million without goods and services tax (GST). MTCC plans to reclaim land for the airport and a 1.2-kilometer-long runway.