Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) has officially handed over the first phase of the Taxiway Charlie rebuild project to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), marking a significant milestone in the modernization of Velana International Airport (VIA).
Highlights of the Handover Ceremony for the Completion of Phase 1 of the Taxiway Charlie Rebuild Project. pic.twitter.com/LKiMXVyj0j
— Maldives Airports Company Ltd (@MACLmedia) August 22, 2025
The handover ceremony took place at Hulhulé Island Hotel, where MACL presented BUCG with the certificate of completion. The document was awarded by MACL Deputy Managing Director Mujthaba Latheef and received by BUCG Project Director Kang Guangbao.
Ahead of Schedule Delivery
The project, comprising four phases, was contracted to BUCG on 16 October 2024 and commenced on 10 April 2025. Impressively, the first phase was delivered 84 days ahead of schedule — a development MACL leadership described as a testament to the strong collaboration between the two organizations.
Ceremony and Attendees
The event drew senior representatives from both sides, 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, along with MACL’s Executive Committee.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairperson Ayesha Nurain Janah hailed the project as a “new chapter” in the airport’s development. She noted that the upgraded taxiway will enhance the efficiency of air traffic movement at VIA, benefitting all airlines operating in the Maldives. She also praised BUCG’s role in delivering high-quality infrastructure, calling the company “an invaluable partner in the airport’s growth journey”.
Legacy of Taxiway Charlie
Taxiway Charlie holds historical significance for VIA. Originally constructed in 1976 as the airport’s first 3,200-meter runway, it was later upgraded in 1981 to accommodate wide-body aircraft. Over subsequent decades, it underwent multiple extensions to meet rising aviation demand.
However, the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami caused severe structural damage, forcing frequent repairs to keep it operational. The opening of VIA’s new Code F runway in October 2022 allowed the old runway to be officially reclassified as Taxiway Charlie, extending its legacy as a critical artery in airport operations.
Driving VIA’s Expansion
The Taxiway Charlie rebuild forms part of a broader set of expansion and modernization projects underway at Velana International Airport, the country’s primary aviation gateway. With the first phase completed, MACL and BUCG now move ahead with the remaining stages, which are expected to further strengthen the airport’s capacity to handle rising passenger and aircraft traffic.
