Physical construction on the Villingili International Airport and associated tourism developments in Gaafu Alifu Atoll is expected to begin before the end of November, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Ameen has confirmed.
Speaking at the Ahaa Forum, Minister Ameen said the government has signed with a new contractor and is in the mobilisation stage. He expressed confidence that practical work would commence by the end of the month.
The project is a presidential pledge first announced by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in Villingili in August 2023. An MoU was signed with Belgian firm NV Besix in February 2024 during a presidential visit, with an estimated investment of USD 500–750 million. No physical work has taken place since.
The minister did not name the new contractor or explain the change from Besix.
Plans for the development include a 2.2 km runway (some reports cite a longer 3,400-metre runway), a transit hotel, heliport, yacht marina and up to 17 resorts expected to add thousands of beds. The project aims to boost tourism and connectivity in the southern atolls.
The government has described it as one of the largest tourism infrastructure projects planned for Huvadhoo Atoll.
