President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has described the opening of Hanimaadhoo International Airport as a major development milestone and significant achievement. He made the statement during the official opening ceremony of the airport on Sunday night.
With the airport now officially inaugurated, the President has fulfilled his promise to complete the project efficiently and without delay.
Addressing at the ceremony, the President recalled his visit to Hanimaadhoo during the presidential campaign, and said the residents of the island had enquired with him regarding the airport project. At the time, he assured them that the work would be accelerated under his administration. He said as pledged, the current administration swiftly completed 70 percent of the project over a shorter period of time.
"I responded immediately. I said not only would the work continue, but I would also push it further and faster. I would complete the airport far more quickly than it had been progressing. That promise has now been fulfilled," he said.
The President emphasised that the Hanimaadhoo Airport represents more than just an airport; it is a gateway to development for the people of the region. The airport will bring about revolutionary changes to the northern atolls, he said.
The President further said the airport is the most important resource for the development of the northern atolls as an integrated development zone. The airport will facilitate development and progress in tourism, fisheries, agriculture, economics and social sectors of the north, he said.
"This gateway is a vital tool for achieving sustainable and rapid development in the Maldives. I urge the people of this island, this atoll and the northern region to embrace this opportunity and take full advantage of it," he said.
The President also highlighted the government’s plans to attract both domestic and foreign investors to promote tourism in the north.
"I invite all small, medium, and large enterprises in the Maldives to come to this region, to invest in this region and take advantage of this opportunity. This is a great opportunity in all sectors. The government is ready to support investors in every way,” the President said.
The President further said the new airport will spur development in Hanimaadhoo in various ways, and increase connectivity between the northern atolls and the rest of the world, while also bringing collective progress to the country and citizens.
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.
Highlighting the strong ties between Maldives and India, the President said the Hanimaadhoo Airport is a symbol of the close bilateral relationship between the two countries
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.