Ministry of National Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure has sought contractors to develop domestic airports in six regions.
The planning ministry stated contractors can develop or finance the projects under the established guidelines for leasing land for resort development on a cross-subsidy basis. The ministry is seeking contractors to develop domestic airports in Makunudhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Bilehfahi in Shaviyani Atoll, Thulhaadhoo in Baa Atoll, Vilufushi in Thaa Atoll, and Magoodhoo in Faafu Atoll. The development of a domestic airport is also planned in Raa Atoll.
The ministry stated the development of the airports is expected to cost USD 133 million, and that the airport development in Vilufushi alone is expected to cost USD 33 million. Additionally, the airport development in Makunudhoo is expected to cost USD 23 million, the airport development in Bilehfahi is expected to cost USD 24 million, the airport development in Thulhaadhoo to cost USD 22 million, the airport development in Magoodhoo to cost USD 8.2 million, and the airport development in Raa Atoll to cost USD 24 million.
The ministry stated the development of the airports are separate projects and interested companies are required to specify which project they are interested in developing or financing. It also stated that companies can choose to either develop the airports or finance the project and that companies are required to propose a minimum fund of USD 5 million. Interested parties can submit proposals to the ministry via email along with an unsolicited proposal policy application form.
The government has allocated USD 113 million to the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) for next year to solve travel and transport issues in the country. As such, USD 36 million has been allocated for the development of the terminal and runway at the Velana International Airport (VIA), and USD 8 million has been allocated for the development of domestic airports.