Maldives Airports Company (MACL) today confirmed that the rumors on MACL leasing the new seaplane terminal to TMA, are inaccurate and they do not have any such intentions as the facility is designed & intended as a common use facility to be used for multiple operators.
Various seaplane operators in the Maldives have raised their concerns as the $4 million (MVR616 million) worth seaplane terminal was rumored to be leased to TMA.
In a press conference held last month, president Ibrahim Solih was directed with questions regarding the issue, thus he responded saying that the new seaplane terminal is not arranged to lease to a specific company since it is a common use facility for all the operators.
The seaplane terminals are currently operated by different operators on their government rented areas. These areas are charged by the MACL at a rate of $9 per square meter.
According to the minister of finance, Ibrahim Ameez, the new seaplane terminal is designed to be used for multiple operators and that the matter is currently being discussed with the government.