Introduction
The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has been officially awarded a major contract worth MVR 570,260,350.80 for airport dredging and coastal protection works in B. Thulhaadhoo. The project, part of the government’s wider national transport policy, is aimed at accelerating the completion of the Thulhaadhoo Domestic Airport and ensuring improved connectivity for the island community.
This development follows the cancellation of the previous contract awarded in July 2023 to Capital Marine and Construction Pvt Ltd. The initial contractor began preliminary work in September 2023, but progress on the airport was limited. With the reassignment to MTCC, the government aims to fast-track the project and deliver tangible results within the planned schedule.
A Key National Transport Project
The Thulhaadhoo Airport project is a crucial element of the Maldives’ national transport strategy, which envisions every inhabited island, resort, and industrial zone being within a 30-minute travel radius of a domestic airport. Improved regional air connectivity is expected to stimulate tourism, enhance trade, and facilitate faster emergency response times.
During his presidential campaign in August, President Mohamed Muizzu pledged to complete the Thulhaadhoo Airport without delay, emphasizing that his administration would only commit to projects backed by technical and financial feasibility.
“We will complete the airport project. We will not delay something we are committed to. If we say we will do it, we will do it,” the President stated. “Have no doubt—we will not make empty promises about what the people want. We will have the necessary technical information and a clear plan to secure financing.”
Project Scope and Dredging Details
Under the newly signed agreement, MTCC will undertake large-scale dredging and land reclamation to prepare the site for airport construction. The project scope includes:
- Dredging 55.4 hectares to create the necessary land area for the airport infrastructure.
- Constructing 2,804 meters of rock revetment for robust coastal protection.
- Installing 1,677 meters of geo bag revetment to safeguard reclaimed areas against erosion.
The work is expected to be completed within 660 days, with MTCC mobilizing advanced dredging equipment and experienced personnel to ensure quality and timely delivery.
Importance of Airport Dredging in the Maldives
In the Maldives, where natural land space is limited and many airports are built on reclaimed land, airport dredging is a critical first step in development. Dredging involves removing sand, silt, and seabed material from designated areas to create stable land platforms. This newly reclaimed land is then reinforced with coastal protection structures to withstand waves, currents, and seasonal storms.
For Thulhaadhoo, the dredging process will not only facilitate the construction of a Code 3C runway—measuring 1,800 meters in length and 30 meters in width—but also ensure the reclaimed land remains protected for decades to come. The runway will be capable of handling larger domestic aircraft, improving accessibility for both residents and visitors.
Economic and Social Benefits
Once operational, the Thulhaadhoo Domestic Airport is expected to deliver significant benefits:
- Tourism Growth – The Maldives’ tourism sector depends heavily on smooth inter-island connectivity. A new airport in Thulhaadhoo will open up new tourism routes and make the region more attractive for resort development.
- Faster Medical Evacuations – In emergencies, reduced travel time to the nearest airport can be life-saving. Residents will have quicker access to air transport for medical care.
- Job Creation – Both the construction phase and ongoing airport operations will generate employment opportunities for locals.
- Trade and Logistics – Improved air connectivity will help streamline the movement of goods, benefiting local businesses and the fishing industry.
Coastal Protection for Long-Term Sustainability
One of the most significant challenges in Maldives infrastructure projects is ensuring the long-term stability of reclaimed land. The Thulhaadhoo Airport plan includes robust coastal defenses, combining rock revetment and geo bag technology to reduce erosion and protect against wave action.
Rock revetments, made from large boulders, absorb and deflect wave energy, while geo bags provide a flexible yet strong barrier against coastal degradation. These measures will help safeguard the airport and surrounding land from the impacts of climate change and rising sea levels.
Government Commitment and Oversight
The Ministry of Construction has emphasized its commitment to completing the Thulhaadhoo Airport within the stipulated timeframe. By assigning the project to MTCC—a state-owned entity with extensive experience in dredging and land reclamation—the government is signaling its intent to avoid further delays and ensure technical standards are met.
MTCC has a proven track record in delivering large-scale infrastructure works across the Maldives, including multiple airport reclamation projects, harbor dredging, and coastal protection schemes.
Looking Ahead
With the signing of the new airport dredging contract, work on the Thulhaadhoo Airport is set to enter an accelerated phase. The combination of large-scale dredging, advanced coastal protection, and modern runway infrastructure will position Thulhaadhoo as a strategic transport hub in the Maldives’ northern atolls.
If delivered as planned, the project will not only fulfill a presidential campaign promise but also align with the nation’s long-term vision for integrated, sustainable, and resilient transport infrastructure.