Regional Airports Company Limited (RACL) has stated that the Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HIA) runway will be completed by March if the construction adheres to the schedule. The statement was made by Managing Director of RACL Ahmed Mubeen during the opening ceremony of the first 1,200-metre segment of the new runway at HIA.
The runway expansion project at HIA is progressing in a three-phase approach, with focus on distinct sections of the runway. The first 1,200 metre section was opened to allow for the removal of the existing runway to make way for the rest of the new runway. The section is also equipped with facilities for night flights and ensures the continuity of airport operations.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mubeen expressed confidence in the project's adherence to the schedule, assuring that the entire runway would be completed by March if the current momentum is maintained. He emphasised his commitment to overseeing every aspect of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport development project. He also highlighted the benefits the airport project would bring to the residents of Hanimaadhoo and neighboring islands.
Meanwhile, Deputy Managing Director of Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL) Ali Salaam acknowledged the temporary suspension of international flights from the airport for several days. He, however, indicated that the commencement of operations on the segment of the new runway would pave the way for the imminent launch of flights to India from HIA.
The 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.
The project includes the development of 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 is expected to be completed in 2024 and international flights will start operating directly to the north of the Maldives.