Regional Airports Company Limited (RACL) has stated that the use of the new Runway at Hanimaadhoo International Airport has been halted due to the ongoing transition phase.
According to RACL’s  Managing Director Mohamed Rizvee, that as part of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport Development Project, 1,400 meters of the new runway is completed under the project. He added that the 1,400 meter runway area has been completed to the extent that can be open for temporary use.
Rizvee also stated that within the transition phase some changes are being made to the decision of using the completed part of the runway for operations. Therefore, they have postponed the use of the new runway for the time being as there may be change in decisions by the new government regarding the use of the new runway as currently planned.
The company had earlier decided to temporarily bring the new runway into operation by the time 1,400 metres of the runway is completed.
Under the project, the currently used runway will be upgraded with a 2765 meters runway and a modern terminal of 111,000 square feet will be established in Hanimaadhoo. Moreover, a 624000 square feet apron and other resources will also be established to expand international flights.
The proposed passenger terminal building will include all of the modern amenities and services to manage peak hour passenger capacity. It will be 10230 square meters in size, including land/sea connectivity and passenger facilities. The terminal will be developed with facilities that can serve 1.3 million passengers annually.
The Hanimaadhoo International Airport is being developed as the northern Maldives’ main hub. The government has stated that the development of Hanimaadhoo International Airport will benefit resorts, city hotels, and guest houses in the north.
Upon completion of the project, service can be provided to Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 flights and will be able to operate direct flights from Hanimaadhoo Airport to the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia and East Africa.
Economic Ministry has previously stated that the project will be completed in 2024.
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Ibrahim Yaafiu
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