The Hanimaadhoo International Airport Development project began yesterday evening.
The project was inaugurated by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar at a ceremony held at Hanimaadhoo International Airport yesterday evening.
Hanimaadhoo International Airport development project was awarded to India’s JMC Projects for MVR 2 billion. 
The project is part of the USD 800 million credit line signed between Exim Bank of India and Maldives Government in 2019. Out of the USD 800 million, USD 137 million was disbursed for the project.
Under the project, the currently used runway will be upgraded with a 2460 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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