The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has announced that operations at Hanimaadhoo International Airport will be moved to the ground floor of the newly constructed terminal from Wednesday.
According to MACL, the relocation is part of efforts to align the airport’s facilities with the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority’s standards, allowing Code C aircraft to make full use of the newly developed runway. To comply with runway clearance requirements, the existing terminal and nearby tall structures will be dismantled.
As part of the transition, the airport jetty located opposite the current terminal will be decommissioned. Passengers and airport users will temporarily access the airport through the Hanimaadhoo port, which will serve as the designated point for transport and related services during this period.
The relocation represents a significant milestone in the Hanimaadhoo Airport expansion project, being developed under an USD 800 million credit line facilitated by the Exim Bank of India and signed by the previous administration in 2019. The project includes the construction of a new runway, terminal building, and upgraded facilities, with the goal of transforming Hanimaadhoo into a regional aviation hub.
During a visit to Hanimaadhoo on August 25, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu reiterated his administration’s commitment to completing and opening the airport by November 2025. The President stated that the project plays a crucial role in enhancing northern connectivity, supporting tourism, and driving economic growth in the region.
