President Dr Mohamed Muizzu launched a megaproject to develop the Velana International Airport and economic zone to cater to 25 million passengers. He inaugurated the project at a ceremony held at Dharubaaruge tonight.
Speaking at the function, the President stated that tonight's inauguration embodies the aspirations of every Maldivian citizen. He emphasised that this development phase would run simultaneously with the previous one, increasing the original capacity objective of 7 million to 25 million passengers following completion.
The President declared that the initial phase of the megaproject would commence within the year, with most of the works scheduled for completion within the five-year tenure, with significant developments completed within the next ten years.
President Dr Muizzu launched the initial phase of the project tonight, marking the commencement of the relocation works of the seaplane terminal, initiating the development of the domestic terminal to serve 2,000 passengers per hour, improving cargo facilities, relocating the fuel storage facility out of Funadhoo Island, and repurposing the island to develop as an international financial hub. Furthermore, the President emphasised the future development prospects of connecting Funadhoo, Malé, and Hulhulé via a bridge and Hulhulé and Hulhumalé to the seaplane terminal.
Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Cabinet members, and senior government officials attended the grand inauguration.
