Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) has officially handed over the new seaplane terminal to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL). The new seaplane terminal has a total floor area of 28,000 square meters and features complete water facilities.
Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) has officially handed over the newly developed seaplane terminal at Velana International Airport to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).
The new facility spans approximately 28,000 square metres and includes complete water-based operational infrastructure designed to support seaplane services operating from the country’s main international airport.
Seaplane transfers are a key component of Maldives tourism, connecting international visitors arriving in Malé to resort islands located across the country’s atolls. The new terminal is expected to enhance operational efficiency and improve the passenger experience for travellers transferring to island resorts.
According to MACL Deputy Chief Officer Mohamed Solah, the project was successfully completed despite challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Chinese contractors managed to overcome logistical and operational hurdles to ensure the terminal was completed and commissioned on 4 August.
The construction of the new seaplane terminal cost approximately USD 55 million (MVR 848 million). MACL previously stated that the state-of-the-art facility has been designed to remain operational for more than 50 years without requiring major structural renovations.
In addition to the seaplane terminal project, BUCG also completed the construction of Madivaru Airport earlier in February 2021, further contributing to the development of aviation infrastructure in the Maldives.
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