The Maldivian Government has contracted Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) to reclaim land under the "Hoarafushi Airport" project that will be developed on northernmost Haa Alif Atoll.

A ceremony was held at the tourism ministry where tourism minister Moosa Zameer and MTCC CEO Ibrahim Ziyath signed an agreement, handing over the MVR 64 million (USD 4.1 million) project to reclaim land for the planned airport in the island of Hoarafushi.

Minister Zameer stated that the airport in Hoarafushi was part of his governments policy of developing airports within half an hour reach of every inhabited island in the country. He also added that several airport projects are underway, including those at Kulhudhuffushi in Haa Dhaal atoll and Funadhoo in Shaviyani Atoll.

"Airports are a vital infrastructure to support our ever-expanding tourism industry," the minister said.

"Some parts of the country like the northernmost atolls and Gaafu Alif and Gaafu Dhaal atolls in the South are not easily accessible by seaplane. Development of new regional airports will make the guest transfer more convenient."

According to MTCCs CEO, Ibrahim Ziyath, 16 hectares would be reclaimed from the lagoon of Hoarafushi and the neighbouring uninhabited island of Maafinolhu. MTCCs brand new Mahaa Jarraafu dredger would be used for the project, which would be completed in six months.