Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has strongly denied claims that the government plans to sell or lease Hanimaadhoo International Airport to a foreign party, following allegations made by former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom. Speaking at a PNC meeting, Yameen had alleged that discussions were held with India’s Adani Group during a recent investment forum in Singapore. In response, Minister Saeed clarified via social media that no such discussions took place and reiterated that there are no plans to hand over the airport to any foreign entity.
The Hanimaadhoo International Airport development project is being implemented under an $800 million credit line from India’s EXIM Bank, with the contract awarded in 2022 to India’s JMC Projects Limited. The project includes a 2.46-kilometre runway and a passenger terminal designed to handle 1.3 million travellers annually.
Housing Minister Dr. Abdullah Muttalib recently stated that 88.7% of the project is now complete, with the terminal 83% finished and the air traffic control tower, hangar, and cargo building 96% complete. The full project is expected to be completed by the end of September 2025. The airport’s expansion is a key component of the government’s strategy to boost tourism and economic activity in the northern atolls.