Velana International Airport (VIA) has reached a major milestone as Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) officially handed over the first phase of the Taxiway Charlie reconstruction to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL). The handover marks a key step in the ongoing modernization of the nation’s busiest airport.
The ceremony took place at Hulhulé Island Hotel, where MACL Deputy Managing Director Mujthaba Latheef presented BUCG Project Director Kang Guangbao with the official certificate of completion. Notably, the first phase was delivered 84 days ahead of schedule, highlighting the effective collaboration between MACL and BUCG.
Senior officials from both organizations attended the event, including MACL Chairperson Ayesha Nurain Janah, BUCG International’s Zhang Fenglin, MACL Board members, Maldives Civil Aviation Authority Director Fathimath Ramiza, and Maldives National Air Traffic Service Managing Director Ibrahim Thoha.
“This marks a new chapter in VIA’s development,” said MACL Chairperson Ayesha Nurain Janah. “The upgraded Taxiway Charlie will significantly improve air traffic efficiency and benefit all airlines operating in the Maldives. BUCG has been an invaluable partner in delivering high quality infrastructure.”
A Legacy Reimagined
Taxiway Charlie, originally built in 1976 as VIA’s first 3,200 meter runway and upgraded in 1981, has long been a vital part of airport operations. After sustaining damage during the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, it underwent multiple repairs. With the opening of VIA’s new Code F runway in 2022, the old runway was reclassified as Taxiway Charlie, continuing its legacy as a critical artery for air traffic.
Driving VIA’s Future
The Taxiway Charlie rebuild is part of MACL’s broader expansion and modernization efforts at VIA. With the first phase now complete, work will continue on the remaining stages, further enhancing the airport’s capacity to accommodate increasing passenger and aircraft traffic while strengthening its position as a world class aviation hub.
