President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has officially opened Hanimaadhoo International Airport.
President Muizzu, accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, arrived in Hanimaadhoo on Sunday night aboard a Maldivian A-320 aircraft to officially open the airport. This marked the first time one of the largest narrow-bodied aircraft has landed at Hanimaadhoo.
The aircraft, piloted by a native of Hanimaadhoo, received a water salute upon landing. The President was welcomed by officials from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) and government representatives as he disembarked from the aero bridge to the airport terminal.
The opening ceremony was attended by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Special Envoy and Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef as well as Cabinet Ministers and residents of Haa Dhaalu Atoll. The event featured a spectacular fireworks display and a light show.
The development of Hanimaadhoo International Airport was completed after three years and is closely linked to the growth and development of the northern region. The project represents a significant milestone, reflecting the hopes and aspirations of the local community.
Hanimaadhoo International Airport features a 2,465-metre runway capable of accommodating the largest Code C aircraft, including Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s. The newly developed apron can accommodate nine aircraft simultaneously — three Airbus planes and six ATR aircraft. The airport also includes a modern cargo terminal, and an air traffic control tower.
The terminal, spanning 10,380 square metres, is divided between domestic and international flights, with the first floor dedicated for domestic flights, and upper floors for international flights. Each floor will feature two gates. Hanimaadhoo Airport is the first atoll airport in the Maldives to feature an aero bridge.
Designed to reflect the natural beauty of the Maldives, the airport has the capacity to serve 1.3 million passengers annually. Developed by India’s JMC, the project’s practical work began in January 2022 for a total value of USD 136.6 million.