Vilufushi Reclamation Reaches 98 Percent Completion with 79 Hectares Reclaimed

Land reclamation works at Thaa Atoll Vilufushi have reached 98 percent completion, with 79 hectares reclaimed out of a planned 81 hectares, marking a significant milestone in the island’s ongoing expansion project.

Dredging operations began on 14 November 2025 and have progressed steadily over the past months. The works are being carried out by Maldives Airports Company Limited, with reclamation executed using the dredger FILIPPO BRUNELLESCHI, which has a capacity of 11,300 cubic metres. The vessel’s high-volume pumping capability has enabled accelerated sand filling operations, bringing the project close to its targeted completion.

The project is designed to expand Vilufushi’s land area by a total of 81 hectares, significantly increasing space available for housing, public infrastructure and future economic activities. With only two hectares remaining, authorities are expected to conclude the reclamation phase in the coming weeks, subject to weather and operational conditions.

Vilufushi has undergone substantial redevelopment over the past two decades following the 2004 tsunami, which led to widespread destruction and the need for reconstruction. The current land expansion forms part of continued efforts to strengthen the island’s long-term resilience and support structured urban planning.

Land scarcity remains a persistent challenge across the Maldives, particularly in outer atolls where limited space constrains housing development and commercial growth. Reclamation initiatives have therefore become central to national infrastructure policy, enabling islands to accommodate population growth, improve public service delivery and create new zones for economic diversification.

The involvement of Maldives Airports Company Limited in the dredging operations reflects the state-owned enterprise’s broader technical capacity in marine engineering and large-scale reclamation works, beyond its core airport development mandate.

As the project nears completion, focus is expected to shift toward land allocation, infrastructure servicing and phased development planning. For Vilufushi, the expanded land footprint is likely to open new pathways for housing expansion and community facilities, contributing to balanced regional growth and reducing long-term spatial constraints in Thaa Atoll.