President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated the completion of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport Development Project will enable aircraft from all across the world to carry passengers to the Maldives. He made the remarks while speaking at the ceremony held to inaugurate Hanimaadhoo International Airport Development Project.
During the ceremony, President Solih said the Hanimaadhoo International Airport Development Project, coupled with the redevelopment of the Kulhudhuffushi Regional Port and connectivity through the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) high-speed ferry service would help the administration transform the northern region into the perfect model of a thriving economy.
Speaking about the revolutionary developmental progress spearheaded by the administration, President Solih described the developmental project as well-planned, studied, and executed. He added that numerous developmental projects are currently underway across the country, and while many have been completed, 41 islands in the northern region have already been connected via the RTL high-speed ferry service. Projects to develop water and sewerage networks in all inhabited islands are also progressing, he stated.
Furthermore, President Solih highlighted the efforts to develop airports across the country, adding Hoarafushi Airport in Haa Alifu Atoll and Faresmaathoda Airport in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll have been completed so far. He also announced the administration had secured funds for airport development projects in Bilehfahi in Shaviyani Atoll, Thulhaadhoo in Baa Atoll, and Vilufushi in Thaa Atoll. He further added the administration had mobilised resources for the Maafaru International Airport Development Project.
Hanimaadhoo International Airport Development Project is being funded by loan assistance from the EXIM Bank of India and includes major infrastructure and operational upgrades and building infrastructure to meet the future growth of traffic to the Maldives. The project was awarded to India-based JMC Projects Limited in September 2022 at a cost of USD136 million. It includes developing a 2.46km runway to enable larger aircraft such as Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s to land at the airport. It also includes the construction of a modern terminal to accommodate 1.3 million passengers annually, as well as the construction of a cargo terminal, fuel farms, and a fire station. The project will be completed in 2024 and international flights will start operating directly to the north of the Maldives.
Hanimaadhoo International Airport is located on the island of Hanimaadhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll. The airport was upgraded in 2012 to cater to international flights.