Dredging Completed for Guraidhoo Airport Project in Thaa Atoll

The government has announced that dredging work for a new airport in Guraidhoo, Thaa Atoll, has been completed, with efforts now focused on protecting the reclaimed land.

The project is being carried out by Maldives Transport and Contracting Company, while airport development has been awarded to Maldives Airports Company Limited.

According to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company, dredging work began in June last year, with approximately 13.8 hectares of land reclaimed for the project. Sand-filling operations have now been completed, and coastal protection works are underway to safeguard the reclaimed area.

The protection measures include the installation of a 979-metre gravel revetment and a 609-metre geobag revetment. The company stated that around 70 percent of the overall project has been completed, with remaining works progressing.

The airport development contract was awarded in September. During a community outreach visit to the island, President Mohamed Muizzu stated that construction is expected to be completed within 22 months, with the airport planned to become operational on Independence Day.

Guraidhoo, which has a population of approximately 1,300 residents, is expected to benefit economically from the project. The government anticipates that the airport will support tourism growth in Thaa Atoll and improve connectivity, contributing to broader development opportunities for the island.