The Maldives Airport Company Limited took over operations from GMR, which was awarded a USD 511-million contract in 2010 by the previous Nasheed government to build and operate the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport for 25 years.
The Indian firm was unceremoniously ousted when the new Maldivian government abruptly terminated the contract on November 27 and was given time till December seven to hand over airport operations to MACL, taking India by surprise.
"The airport operations are now being handled by MACL. The handing over was very smooth and seamless," President Mohamed Waheed's Press Secretary Masood Imad told PTI.
However, reports here suggest that GMR officials were not present at the "handing over" ceremony held late last night.
Imad said there is a three-week transition period during which GMR and MACL will work together.
He also sought to allay any fears of loss of jobs or any vendetta against the employees.
"All workers of the airport, who wish to stay back after GMR leaves, will be taken on board by MACL. This also includes Indian workers," Imad asserted.
There are currently 1,663 employees, including about 110 Indians.
Maldives' Defence Minister and Acting Transport Minister Mohamed Nazim said at the ceremony that there would be major changes in MACL management.
"I would like to say that we will reconstitute the management of MACL and further strengthen the company," he was quoted as saying by 'Haveeru' daily.
He added, "We accept that GMR had worked towards the development of the airport. We thank GMR for that". (More)
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