Operations at Hanimaadhoo International Airport will move to the new terminal building from Wednesday, a major milestone in the development of northern air connectivity.
The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has officially taken over the operation of the airport, which is regarded as a key project closely linked to the development of tourism in the north. The airport is scheduled for official opening on 9 November, with final preparations now underway.
MACL confirmed that the operations currently based at the existing terminal will be relocated to the ground floor of the new terminal from Wednesday. The transfer is part of final preparations for the official opening of the airport next month.
The move is necessary to accommodate Code C aircraft in compliance with Civil Aviation Authority standards. Since Code C aircraft require full use of the entire runway, the former terminal building and nearby elevated structures must be vacated in order to maintain runway clearance. As such, all services previously provided in the old terminal are being transitioned to the new terminal through the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) process.
Preparation of terminal services and procedures and testing of equipment and machinery are underway as well as staff training to align operations with international and civil aviation standards.
Hanimaadhoo International Airport features a 2,465-metre runway that can handle the largest Code C aircraft, including the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. The airport is designed to reflect the natural beauty of the Maldives, and will have the capacity to serve 1.3 million passengers annually.
The practical work of the USD 136.6 million project, undertaken by India’s JMC Projects, commenced in January 2023.