The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Ameen has reiterated the government’s policy to have all international and domestic airports operated exclusively by Maldivian companies.
The statement follows recent Indian media reports suggesting that the Maldives had requested India’s Civil Aviation Ministry to manage the newly opened Hanimaadhoo International Airport.
In a post on X, Minister Ameen clarified that all airports in the Maldives are run by local companies approved by the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority, emphasising that it had no intention of handing any airport to a foreign party or country.
The Hanimaadhoo International Airport, inaugurated on 9 November 2024, is a significant upgrade for the northern Maldives. The airport now features a 2,465-meter runway capable of handling A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft, along with an expanded apron for nine flights simultaneously. A new cargo terminal and air traffic control tower further enhance its operations.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, during the opening ceremony, highlighted the airport’s role in boosting tourism, fisheries, agriculture, and broader economic development. The first commercial jet landed in December, marking a new era of connectivity for the region.
The government’s firm position on local airport management underscores its commitment to retaining sovereign control over critical transport infrastructure.