Four companies have expressed interest to undertake the Hanimaadhoo International Airport Development Project.
The project to redevelop Hanimaadhoo lnternational Airport is being funded by loan assistance from the Exim Bank and includes major infrastructure and operational upgrades and building infrastructure to meet the future growth of traffic to the Maldives. The project includes developing a 46-kilometre runway to enable larger aircraft such as Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s to land at the airport. It also includes construction of a modern terminal to accommodate 3.1 million passengers annually, as well as the construction of a cargo terminal, fuel farms and a fire station.
Bidding for the project was opened for short-listed parties last December. Ministry of Economic Development revealed four companies had submitted bids for the project by the bid submission deadline. However, the ministry did not disclose details of the bidders.
The redevelopment of Hanimaadhoo International Airport is one of the eight mega infrastructure projects financed under the USD 800 million Line of Credit facility extended by the Exim Bank of India to the Government of the Maldives. The Exim Bank conducted a pre-qualification process in May for Indian companies with the technical expertise, the financial strength and the prior experience to execute the project.
Ministry of Economic Development has stated the completion of the project will result in an increase of tourist arrivals in the northern atolls, which will result in more job opportunities and benefit local businesses.