China and the Maldives have signed a memorandum of understanding in which they agree to conduct a pre-feasibility study into the proposed bridge. “The bridge project is high on the Maldivian government’s priority list,” said Maldives housing minister Mohamed Muiz. “Most of the preparation work is now complete.”

The preliminary study will be followed by a feasibility study and design planning before the two governments explore options to finance the as-yet unpriced project.

Plans for the bridge were first announced in 2008. A 2011 a feasibility study carried out by Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong explored three routes for the link.

Current local access to the airport is by ferry, speedboat or sea plane.