Land reclamation has begun for the development of a new airport in Noonu Atoll Vihafaru.

The reclamation work has been awarded to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) and was inaugurated by Minister of Economic Development Mohamed Saeed and MACL Chief Executive Officer Ibrahim Shareef. The ceremony was attended by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, along with senior ministers and government officials.

Under the project, 42 hectares of land will be reclaimed to a height of 1.6 metres. The airport will be developed in Visafaru, near Noonu Velidhoo, and is expected to serve Holhudhoo, Velidhoo, Fohdhoo, nearby islands and resorts.

The airport project, which is an electoral pledge of the President, is scheduled to begin construction in early 2026. The government has also announced plans to further develop Maafaru Airport, including upgrades to its terminal and facilities to elevate it to a high-end international airport.

The government said the new airport will support broader development in Noonu Atoll, including tourism growth and planned township projects under Special Economic Zone permits.