Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail has revealed the expansion project of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport will include the development of a seaplane terminal.
Speaking at an event held for the people of Haa Dhaalu Atoll, as part of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s campaign for the local council elections, Economic Minister Fayyaz said the project will also include an air taxi terminal, which will provide faster and easier routes than the current connection with Male' City. The minister said the completion of the project will result in an increase of tourist arrivals in the northern atolls, which will result in more job opportunities and benefit local businesses.
The expansion of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport is being conducted by Airports Authority of India (AAI) and is considered as the largest infrastructure and connectivity project in the north of the Maldives. AAI has completed its Detailed Project Report (DPR) and the project is set to begin in 2021 after the completion of the tendering process.
The project includes modernising the passenger terminal, cargo terminal, fuel farms and the fire station. Furthermore, the runway is to be expanded to 2,200-metres to enable larger aircraft such as Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s to land at the airport.
The airport expansion project is being funded from a USD 800 million line of credit provided by the Export Import Bank of India. The government has stated the aim of the project is to expand the tourism industry in the north by developing resorts, city hotels, and guesthouses.