President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has described the inauguration of Hanimaadhoo International Airport as a major development milestone and a remarkable achievement for the Maldives. He made the remarks at the official opening ceremony held on Sunday night.
With the official opening of the airport, President Muizzu has fulfilled his commitment to complete the project efficiently and without delay.
Addressing the ceremony, the President recalled his visit to Hanimaadhoo during his presidential campaign, noting that island residents had asked about the airport’s progress. At that time, he assured them that work would be fast-tracked under his leadership. He said, true to his word, 70 percent of the project was completed in record time during his administration.
“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 Hanimaadhoo International Airport is far more than an infrastructure project — it is a gateway to transformation and development for the people of the north. He said the new airport will bring revolutionary progress to the region.
He further noted that the airport will serve as a central driver of growth across the northern atolls, fostering development in tourism, fisheries, agriculture, trade, and social sectors.
“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 efforts to attract both domestic and international investors to the northern region.
“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,” President Muizzu stated.
He added that the new airport will boost connectivity between the northern atolls and the rest of the world, paving the way for widespread development and prosperity.
Developed by India’s JMC, the USD 136.6 million project began in January 2022 and was completed after three years. President Muizzu noted that the Hanimaadhoo Airport stands as a symbol of the strong and enduring friendship between the Maldives and India.
Hanimaadhoo International Airport features a 2,465-metre runway capable of accommodating Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s, along with an apron space for nine aircraft — three Airbus planes and six ATRs. The airport also includes a modern cargo terminal and a state-of-the-art air traffic control tower.
The 10,380-square-metre terminal building is divided into domestic and international zones, with the first floor dedicated to domestic operations and upper floors for international flights. Each level includes two boarding gates, and notably, Hanimaadhoo Airport is the first atoll airport in the Maldives to feature an aerobridge.
Designed to reflect the Maldives’ natural beauty, the new airport can handle up to 1.3 million passengers annually, marking a new era of connectivity and economic growth for the northern Maldives.
