Hanimaadhoo Airport presents a golden opportunity: President

Development of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport has presented a golden opportunity, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu stated tonight, adding that this is the time to expand local businesses to the northern atolls. 

Speaking at the inauguration of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport, President Muizzu said that today marks not just the opening of an airport, but a gateway for development for Haa Dhaalu atoll and northern Maldives. 

He reiterated his development plan for the presidential election which proposed the establishment of integrated development zones in four atolls across the north and south, and said that Hanimaadhoo Airport would prove to be one of the key sources of achieving that. 

The President said that the newly opened airport would bring further advancement to tourism, agriculture, fisheries, and economy, as well as social development, to the north. 

Having conducted such a large scale project through a line of credit facility extended by the government of India exemplifies the close relations between the two countries, the President noted. Hanimaadhoo Airport serves as a monument that testifies the strength of Maldives-India ties as the countries mark 60 years of diplomatic relations this year, he said. 

In his speech, the President conceded that tourism businesses in the north are somewhat lacking at the moment, but assured that, in line with his pledge, the government will make every effort to expand tourism in the region. 

He highlighted that the government is working with the Maldives Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) towards achieving this goal. Concessional arrangements have also been made on the lease of lagoons for investors in Haa Alif, Haa Dhaalu, and Shaviyani atolls, he announced, noting that investors are showing great interest in such projects. 

President Muizzu went on to say that MTDC has been tasked with completing HDh. Naagoashi, which was leased for tourism 17 years ago, and to make it operational next year. This, he believes, will mark the start of tourism expansion in northern atolls. 

He urged all businesses, including small and medium enterprises, to expand their services to northern Maldives and to invest in the region.

"Make use of the opportunity at this time, this is a golden opportunity. In all areas," he asserted. 

President Muizzu assured that the government is ready to assist businesses and investors in all areas. 

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.