Hanimaadhoo International Airport Officially Inaugurated, Marking Major Milestone in Northern Development

Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HIA) was officially inaugurated yesterday, marking a major step in advancing infrastructure and regional development in the northern Maldives.

The redeveloped airport now features a longer runway, expanded terminal, and upgraded facilities capable of accommodating narrow-body international aircraft. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed arrived for the ceremony aboard an Airbus A320 — the largest aircraft to land at Hanimaadhoo to date. The event featured a fireworks display and traditional feasts brought in from across Haa Dhaalu Atoll.

The inauguration was attended by India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, representing Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The redevelopment project was financed through a USD 136.6 million line of credit from India, part of a broader USD 800 million Exim Bank agreement signed in 2019. The project, awarded to India’s JMC Projects Ltd, commenced in early 2023.

Originally built 39 years ago, Hanimaadhoo Airport had previously handled only smaller aircraft such as ATRs and Dash-8s. The modernisation works have equipped the facility with a 2,465-metre runway suitable for all narrow-body aircraft and a new 10,300-square-metre terminal capable of handling up to 1.3 million passengers annually. Additional features include a fuel farm, a cargo terminal, and the first aerobridge to be installed at an atoll airport.

The airport now also offers Bank of Maldives ATM and dollar counter services, providing foreign exchange access for international travellers and Maldivians travelling abroad. Art installations by Maldivian artists are displayed throughout the terminal, highlighting local creativity and culture.

President Muizzu said the upgraded airport symbolises economic transformation and opportunity for the northern region, describing it as a gateway to prosperity. He urged local and international investors to explore business potential in the area, noting that improved air connectivity would address long-standing transport challenges faced by resorts and guesthouses in the north. 

The development is also expected to benefit traders in northern islands such as Kulhudhuffushi and Ihavandhoo by enhancing cargo transport efficiency and lowering import expenses. Following the ceremony, President Muizzu toured the new facilities alongside senior officials, including the Indian delegation.

Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed described the airport as a transformative development hub and a cornerstone of President Muizzu’s commitment to advancing growth in Boduthiladhummathi. He stated that the facility would play a vital role in accelerating regional progress and ensuring long-term prosperity for the northern atolls.