An important milestone in the long-awaited reconstruction of the Southern Atolls’ main transportation hub has been reached with the completion of the road development for the Addu Gan International Airport project.

Ads By Dhivehi Insurance Company

The construction of the roadwork is a component of a larger redevelopment project financed by the Indian Line of Credit, which intends to transform the airport into a cutting-edge establishment that can accommodate 1.5 million people a year. Addu International Airport Company (AIA), Managing Director Mohamed Waheed Hussain, announced the completion of the road development project, along with final traffic markings currently underway. For years, the airport's development was set back by a series of delays and challenges.

Gan International Airport has also announced through their facebook page, that a new traffic flow system has been in effect from September 11th 2025.

With the roadworks nearing completion, emphasis is now turning to the development of the airport's terminal. Speaking with PSM News, Waheed mentioned that the terminal expansions are being built, with a 15-meter enlargement on one side and a 75-metre expansion on the other. While the timeline implies that the work should be completed by the end of this year, Waheed acknowledged that there may be some delays and that the project is expected to be completed by early next year.

The ongoing phase of work is intended to support the forthcoming development of the existing terminal, which will later be modernised to provide enhanced facilities. Waheed also noted the challenges of ensuring uninterrupted airport operations amid extensive development projects.

Ads By Timber House Pvt. Ltd

 The project has sparked controversy, as the removal of old shelter trees to clear space for the new road has raised significant concerns among the locals of Addu. In response to this, the airport is working to address these issues by planting large, new sheltering trees along both sides of the newly constructed roads.

The development of Addu International Airport has unfolded over multiple phases across more than a decade. Its current infrastructure features a 3,000-metre runway, designed to accommodate Code E category aircrafts, including the Boeing 777.

As development progresses, Addu International Airport redevelopment remains as a crucial project for southern atolls. The airport is set to play a key role in driving economic growth in Southern Atolls, while enhancing tourism and trade in the region.