Hanimaadhoo International Airport officially opens

Following its redevelopment, the Hanimaadhoo International Airport has been officially opened in a ceremony held tonight. 

The airport, with its sleek, modern design, now serves as a landmark in the northern atolls of Maldives. 

The airport is designed taking inspiration from Maldives' natural beauty, culture and traditions. It's new terminal is equipped with the latest facilities and services.

The Hanimaadhoo International Airport is now the largest airport in northern Maldives. 

Hanimaadhoo Airport initially became operational as a domestic airport in 1986. In February 2012, it was upgraded to international airport status. Work on redevelopment of the airport and modern terminal commenced in 2022. 

The Hanimaadhoo International Airport was officially inaugurated by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in a vibrant ceremony held in front of the airport tonight.

Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, India's Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu and other senior officials of the governments of Maldives and India also attended the ceremony, alongside senior officials from the airport's operator, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).

Maldivian's A320 flight landed tonight at Hanimaadhoo International Airport for the first time. 

The ceremony was followed by fireworks. 

Residents of Hanimaadhoo gave a warm reception to the President and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed upon their arrival to the island. 

The Hanimaadhoo Airport project; financed through an Indian line of credit and developed by Kalpataru Projects — is one of the largest airport infrastructure projects in Maldives.

It includes a 2.7 km runway, a new terminal capable of handling 1.3 million passengers annually, an air traffic control tower, cargo facilities, and a fuel farm.

The runway, developed to handle the largest airplanes landing and taking off, was completed last year.

The USD 136 million (MVR 2 billion) project was funded through India’s USD 800 million Exim Bank line of credit facility.