Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has announced plans to introduce seaplane services at Hanimaadhoo International Airport as part of efforts to enhance its revenue potential and diversify service offerings.
Speaking to the Parliament’s State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Committee, MACL Deputy Managing Director Mujthaba Latheef revealed ongoing initiatives to integrate the Regional Airports Company into MACL. A share exchange agreement between the Privatisation and Corporatisation Board (PCB), Regional Airports, and MACL is expected to be signed this week.
Highlighting the importance of seaplane services, Mujthaba stated that this move is a critical step in ensuring the profitability of Hanimaadhoo International Airport. “We will establish a seaplane service very soon. The airport's feasibility as an international hub significantly improves with such services,” he said, adding that plans for a dedicated seaplane terminal are also in progress.
Hanimaadhoo International Airport, currently undergoing extensive development, is a USD 136.6 million project designed to boost economic growth in the northern Maldives, particularly in the Greater Thiladhunmathi region. The new 2,465-meter runway, capable of accommodating aircraft with 250–300 passengers, was inaugurated in October 2024. Earlier this year, a 1,200-meter section of the runway became operational, replacing the old runway, which supported only 150-seater aircraft.
Once completed, the airport is expected to handle 1.3 million passengers annually, significantly contributing to the growth of northern tourism. Construction is anticipated to conclude by February 2025.
As one of the largest regional investments in the Maldives, the project is set to transform Hanimaadhoo into a vital hub for both international and domestic aviation, bolstering connectivity and economic opportunities in the region.