Rodrigues: The Rs 9 Billion Airport Project is Making Progress

The expansion and modernization project of the Plaine Corail airport continues to make strides, according to the latest official documents published by Airports of Mauritius Co. Ltd (AML) and the World Bank. Estimated at around Rs 9 billion, it represents one of the largest public investments planned for Rodrigues and aims to sustainably enhance the island's air transport capacity.

Tender documents released by AML on May 11, 12, and 18, 2026, confirm that international procedures are underway for the construction of the main infrastructures. The project includes a new 2.1-kilometer runway, taxiways, additional parking areas, a modernized control tower, and a new fire station.

In its report dated May 21, 2026, on the Rodrigues Airport Project (P180266), the World Bank confirms that the project remains active and that procurement processes are progressing. However, it notes that as of May 1, 2026, major construction work had not yet begun, with the project still in its preparatory phase.

The objectives of the project, confirmed by authorities and the World Bank during a mission to Rodrigues from March 23 to 30, 2026, are to improve air safety, enhance the climate resilience of infrastructure, and develop regional connectivity. No official documents indicate a cancellation of the project, which continues to move forward through ongoing procedures.

The project may draw particular attention in the coming days, as the 2026-2027 Budget is set to be presented to the National Assembly on Friday, June 19, 2026. The main official sources remain the tender notices published by AML in May 2026, the World Bank's follow-up report from May 21, 2026, and the statement regarding the World Bank’s mission to Rodrigues published on March 25, 2026.

As of June 2026, these documents confirm that the project is progressing in administrative and financial aspects, while the start of construction work is contingent on the successful completion of the contract awarding process.