President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced on Sunday that the Hanimaadhoo Airport in Haa Dhaalu Atoll is targeted for completion and opening by November at the latest.
During his current tour of the atoll, President Muizzu visited Hanimaadhoo and provided an update on the airport's construction progress. He emphasized that the airport is being built to modern international standards and that the project is proceeding at an accelerated pace.
The President further stated that the airport's opening will coincide with the establishment of a Bank of Maldives (BML) counter, allowing passengers to purchase US dollars. To further facilitate tourism, a dollar ATM and a Rufiyaa ATM from BML and Maldives Islamic Bank will also be installed outside the airport. Additionally, ID card and passport issuance services are planned to be operational by the time the airport opens.
The Hanimaadhoo International Airport is being developed under an USD 800 million credit line secured in 2019 from the Exim Bank of India.
It is worth noting that in July of last year, Construction Minister Dr. Abdullah Muthalib reported that 88.7 percent of the project was complete, with full completion anticipated in September.
Despite the presence of significant resorts and guesthouses in the northern Maldives, high transportation costs have posed a considerable challenge for these businesses. Residents of Hanimaadhoo express hope that the completion of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport will alleviate these challenges.