Rodrigues to modernise Plaine Corail Airport with US$170m upgrade
Rodrigues Island will invest US$170 million to modernise Plaine Corail Airport, replacing the current 1.3 km runway with a 2.1 km strip to accommodate larger aircraft and grow tourism. Led by Airports of Mauritius with World Bank support, the project aims to improve safety and connectivity, with an international tender open until 8 April 2026.
Construction is expected to take around two and a half years and includes new taxiways, aircraft parking, navigation equipment, an air traffic control centre and a fire station. The scheme was revived after earlier delays, with the French Development Agency withdrawing in 2022 for environmental reasons – the runway would encroach on endemic flora. Local officials describe it as the island’s largest construction project to date, with the upgrade set to enhance Indian Ocean links and increase visitor capacity.
Source: Capmad Business Media
