China's Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) has been awarded the contract to repair the first runway and current taxiway at Velana International Airport.

The project, named "Taxiway Charlie Rebuild" in alignment with the vision of of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and the  20-year masterplan for the development of Velana International Airport and the Economic Zone was officially handed over at a ceremony held at the airport today.

Work on the taxiway renovation will begin next month and is expected to be completed by mid-2027.

The project aims to modernize the runway to current standards, developing it to 3,200 meter long and as a parallel taxiway.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed highlighted the significance of the project.

He noted that the former runway and existing taxiway are the oldest infrastructure at the airport, built in 1976, and their rehabilitation is critical for both safety and economic reasons, providing a large boost to the economy.

Shareef also emphasized that once completed, the new runway will be used as a taxiway, reducing aircraft landing times.

He added that the deteriorating condition of the old runway poses a risk, as there would be no alternative landing option in case of an emergency.

BUCG, also constructed the new 3,400 meter long, 60 meters wide runway currently in use.

The new runway being used was built with a loan from Exim Bank of China, accommodates large aircraft such as the Airbus A380 and cost USD 450 million.