Faresmaathodaa Airport to be completed by year's end: Minister Aslam

The project to build an airport in Faresmaathodaa island of Gaaf Dhaalu atoll will be completed by the end of this year, Minister of Planning and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam has said.

Minister Aslam said this while speaking at a campaign event for a candidate contesting for the constituency’s parliament seat through the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), on Sunday night.

At the event, Minister Aslam said that the government requires the support of parliament and the island’s residents in order to make 'this project a reality’.

The project was inaugurated in August last year by former president Abdulla Yameen, whose administration signed a USD 2.5 million deal with the Gulf Coba to reclaim land.

The airport, as decided by the previous government, will have a 1.2 kilometre runway and a passenger terminal.

The Yameen administration acquired a USD 4 million loan from local business tycoon Champa Brothers, which it said was at zero-interest and payable at the republic’s discretion.

If completed, the airport will be the third in the atoll, with Kaadedhoo airport having been operation for years, and an airport under construction in Maavurulu island.

Former president Yameen had announced his government’s intention to give the airport in Kaadedhoo island, international status.

Further speaking at Sunday's event, Minister Aslam said highlighted the importance of MDP acquiring a majority in the upcoming parliamentary election, which he said would ensure pledges and plans made by the government are upheld.