President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the new international airport in Hanimaadhoo will be operational by November at the latest, marking the completion of one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the northern Maldives.
Speaking to island residents during his tour of Haa Dhaalu Atoll, the President said the airport’s modernisation was progressing swiftly, with 91 percent of the project already complete. Originally among the first airports built in the Maldives, Hanimaadhoo has also taken the longest to undergo full-scale modernisation.
According to the Regional Airports Company Limited (RACL), major components of the project are nearly finished. The runway, Air Traffic Control tower, cargo building, hangar taxiway, and utility facilities have reached 99 percent completion, while the passenger and jetty terminals are 92 percent complete. The new terminal, covering 10,380 square metres and designed with Maldivian architectural features, will also feature the first aerobridge outside Malé.
Once complete, the airport will accommodate A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft, alongside ATRs. The apron can host up to nine flights at once, including three Airbus and six ATR aircraft. Passenger capacity is projected at 1.3 million annually, with the lower terminal floor designated for domestic travel and the upper floor for international departures and arrivals.
Valued at USD 129.7 million, the project is expected to transform connectivity for the northern atolls. President Muizzu also announced that local passengers would be able to purchase US dollars at bank rate when departing from Hanimaadhoo, replicating services available at Velana International Airport. A dedicated US dollar ATM will be installed outside the airport, alongside existing rufiyaa ATMs.
The President highlighted that the airport development is part of a broader package of progress for the island. The Hanimaadhoo Council is set to begin issuing passports and national identity cards locally by the time the airport is opened. He also confirmed housing, healthcare, and road development projects to support the island’s anticipated growth once the airport comes into operation.
With construction nearing its final stages, the Hanimaadhoo International Airport is poised to emerge as a key gateway for the northern Maldives, enabling new opportunities for tourism, trade, and regional development.
