Hanimaadhoo International Airport, a key hub for the northern Maldives, is nearing completion under a major redevelopment project set to finish by March next year, announced Regional Airports Company’s Managing Director Ahmed Mubeen.
The centerpiece of this initiative is a newly finished runway designed to accommodate A320 aircraft, marking a significant step forward for regional air connectivity. Initiated in January last year, this project is pivotal for the economic landscape of Greater Thiladhunmathi, a region intricately tied to tourism across the north.
Initially, a 1,200-meter segment of the 2,465-meter runway was completed and operationalized in January. Now, the remaining section has been finalized, with preparations underway for its full-scale utilization post Eid holidays.
In an interview with State media PSM, Ahmed Mubeen outlined the final stages of readiness, emphasizing the imminent inauguration of the complete runway. “We are constructing a passenger terminal capable of serving up to 1.5 million tourists. With the runway now finished, our aim is to achieve round-the-clock operations following Eid,” Mubeen confirmed.
Ahmed Mubeen, Managing Director of Regional Airports Company Limited
Anticipating a full project culmination by year-end, Mubeen underscored collaborative efforts with various stakeholders to streamline final tasks. Notably, partnerships with the Ministry of Tourism and local resorts are focused on redirecting tourist traffic directly to Hanimaadhoo International Airport, bypassing the congested Velana International Airport (VIA).
“Presently, tourists bound for northern resorts must transit through VIA and then board a seaplane. Direct access to Hanimaadhoo will reduce costs and bolster tourism prospects,” Mubeen elaborated.
The government’s commitment extends to promptly advancing into the project’s second phase, slated to include a dedicated sea plane terminal, enhancing accessibility and visitor experience across the northern Maldives.
