The new runway at Hanimaadhoo International Airport in Haa Dhaalu Atoll has been completed and officially inaugurated by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the President's official visit to India. The project was contracted to JMC Projects Limited of India.
The construction of the new runway began in January 2023 as part of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport Redevelopment Project. The runway itself was the first major focus, with a new length of 2,465 meters. However, due to conflicts between the old and new runways, the first phase of the project developed a 1,200-meter section of the new runway, which was opened on January 28 this year.
While the previous runway could accommodate 150-seater aircraft, the new runway is designed to handle larger planes with capacities of 250-300 passengers. The project is valued at USD 136.6 million and is one of the largest in the atolls of the country. The airport is expected to handle up to 1.3 million passengers annually and accommodate Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft for international flights, enabling direct routes to Hanimaadhoo from around the world. The government also aims to complete all aspects of the project by next year.
President Dr. Muizzu has also announced plans to extend the runway by an additional 700 meters to support the government's goal of accommodating the 9,000 new tourist beds planned for the region.