President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the new international airport in Hanimaadhoo will be completed and operational by November this year at the latest. He made the remarks while addressing the residents of Hanimaadhoo as part of his ongoing tour of inhabited islands in Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
In his address, the President described the Hanimaadhoo International Airport development as the most significant project for the island. While Hanimaadhoo Airport was one of the first airports to be developed in the Maldives, it had also taken the longest to modernise, he said.
The President said the airport is currently being developed to modern standards at a swift pace, with many facilities being established at the airport. According to Regional Airports Company Limited (RACL), the airport’s developer, 91 percent of the project has already been completed.
Progress includes 92 percent completion of the passenger and jetty terminal buildings, while 99 percent of the runway, Air Traffic Control tower, cargo building, hangar taxiway, and utility facilities are already completed. The new terminal, designed with Maldivian architectural features, spans 10,380 square metres, will feature the first aerobridge in the atolls.
Once the project is completed, Hanimaadhoo Airport will be able to serve A320 and Boeing 737 flights. An apron has been developed at the new airport to accommodate up to nine flights simultaneously. It can park three Airbus and six ATR aircraft at a time.
Once operational, the airport can handle 1.3 million passengers annually. The lower floor of the terminal will be used for domestic flights, while the upper floor will be used for international flights. Each floor will have two gates.
The project is valued at approximately USD 129.7 million.
US Dollar Purchase and ATM Service
President Muizzu said while the Hanimaadhoo Airport will be an international airport, arrangements would be made such that local passengers departing from the airport can purchase US dollars at bank rate, similar to services available at Velana International Airport. In addition, a US dollar ATM will be installed outside the airport, alongside Bank of Maldives and Maldives Islamic Bank rufiyaa ATMs in Hanimaadhoo, he stated.
The President further said the Hanimaadhoo Council will begin issuing passports and national identity cards on the island by the time the airport is opened. These developments will bring progress and advancement to the people of Hanimaadhoo, those who migrate to the island and those who seek services in the island, he said.
Meeting with Community Leaders
Earlier in the day, President Muizzu met with the Hanimaadhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions to discuss the island’s most pressing development needs.
During the discussions, Council members raised concerns regarding housing, the establishment of a volleyball court for the youth, and the need for additional classrooms and laboratory facilities at Hanimaadhoo School. They also proposed several measures to strengthen the island’s economy, including the provision of soft loans for those interested in setting up guesthouses or engaging in island-based tourism. The Council further stressed the importance of ensuring reliable water, electricity, and sanitation facilities in areas where new housing plots have been allocated, while also noting the difficulties residents face in accessing US dollars in the area.
In his address to the island residents following the meeting, the President confirmed that the construction of 500 housing units in Hanimaadhoo will commence next month. While the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) will oversee the project, the project will be implemented through a combination of concentrated housing developments and units built on individual plots. He added that while the housing project for residents migrating from Hirimaradhoo will continue, the currently court-suspended housing project will resume once the necessary approvals are granted. These projects will bring great benefits to the people of Hanimaadhoo and the people who migrate to the island, he said.
Pledges for Hanimaadhoo
The President noted that Hanimaadhoo plays a vital role in the country’s overall development, particularly within the framework of the government’s sustainable development policy. He noted that projects are planned with this vision in mind.
Highlighting the efforts to fulfil his pledges as well as implement various government policies, the President said the island’s school project had been handed over to Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC). The new school project will also accommodate the students of Hirimaradhoo School, who are expected to migrate to the island within 18 months. The project will provide eight classrooms, a staff room, a laboratory and other facilities.
“God willing, these issues will be resolved for many years to come. With the new building being established for Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), they will be permanently relocated to the new building and the existing MNDF building will be cleared, and can be repurposed for educational purposes. This will allow the building to serve as a higher educational facility,” the President said.
Speaking on healthcare, the President said that the new 30-bed hospital being developed in Hanimaadhoo will strengthen the health services on the island. Although a new hospital is being developed, the existing health centre will also be expanded, with dialysis services to be introduced at the health centre, and specialists in paediatrics and gynaecology to be stationed at the centre before the end of this year, he said.
Outlining pledges for the sports sector, the President said that sports facilities, including a fitness and recreation centre and a volleyball court will be established on the island.
Speaking on road development, President Muizzu said while some roads had already been tarred, further work was needed. He said road construction will be carried out in phases, with the modernisation of about 17 km of the road planned over two years and full completion expected by 2027.
The President emphasised the development of Hanimaadhoo would be carried out in line with the wishes and expectations of its residents.