The Hanimaadhoo International Airport is expected to significantly boost the economy and tourism of Hanimaadhoo and the northern Maldives, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed has said.
Shareef made the remarks during the official inauguration of the airport on Sunday.
In his address, Shareef said the airport will revitalise the economy of the northern atolls, with its opening further enhancing regional development. Describing the project as the key to the region’s growth, Shareef highlighted that the airport would bring substantial benefits to the entire region.
Shareef said when the current government assumed office, only 28 percent to 30 percent of the Hanimaadhoo airport project had been completed. The remaining 72 percent of the work was delivered by the current administration, he said.
"When we took over, the passenger terminal was incomplete. The cargo terminal was unfinished. The jetty was not completed. The fire station and power plant were also incomplete. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu encouraged and pushed to complete all these works within a short timeframe and at a swift pace, and we are grateful for his support,” Shareef noted.
Shareef also expressed appreciation to the Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, Dr Abdulla Muththalib, and his team for their assistance in completing the passenger terminal.
Developed by India’s JMC, the project’s practical work began in January 2022 for a total value of USD 136.6 million. The development of Hanimaadhoo International Airport was completed after three years and is closely linked to the growth and development of the northern region. The project represents a significant milestone, reflecting the hopes and aspirations of the local community.
Hanimaadhoo International Airport features a 2,465-metre runway capable of accommodating the largest Code C aircraft, including Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s. The newly developed apron can accommodate nine aircraft simultaneously — three Airbus planes and six ATR aircraft. The airport also includes a modern cargo terminal, and an air traffic control tower.
The terminal, spanning 10,380 square metres, is divided between domestic and international flights, with the first floor dedicated for domestic flights, and upper floors for international flights. Each floor will feature two gates. Hanimaadhoo Airport is the first atoll airport in the Maldives to feature an aero bridge.
Designed to reflect the natural beauty of the Maldives, the airport has the capacity to serve 1.3 million passengers annually.