President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Sunday (June 4) launched the Gan International Airport (GIA) expansion project. The launch marks a milestone in the Maldives’ efforts to enhance aviation infrastructure. The Exim Bank of India backs the project with a USD 800 million credit line. India‘s State Minister for External Affairs V Muraleedharan graced the occasion.
The upgraded Gan International Airport will have a modern terminal capable of accommodating 1.5 million travellers annually. The airport’s comprehensive development plan includes the establishment of duty-free shops, restaurants, lounge areas, control tower, and fire station. The project also includes the construction of a cold storage facility, equipped with state-of-the-art cargo facilities, as well as improvements to airport roads and the creation of an expanded parking area.
In tandem with the Gan Airport development, the government is also planning to expand the tourism bed capacity in Addu Atoll. Workers are currently dredging five islands to further develop tourism in the region.
President Solih is currently on a three-day visit to Addu City. The President stated that the government is making arrangements to provide loans to individuals who have been allocated land for constructing guest houses. This initiative seeks to create more opportunities for local entrepreneurs and facilitate the growth of tourism in the country.