Hanimaadhoo International Airport: Maldives and India discuss boosting air connectivity

Following the development and official reopening of Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HIA) last night, discussions were held today between the Maldives and India to increase air travel between the two countries.

In a social media post, the Indian High Commission in the Maldives confirmed that the Indian Civil Aviation Minister, Kinjirapu Ram Mohan Naidu, who was the special envoy of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the opening ceremony, met with the Maldivian Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Ameen, today.

The High Commission stated that the two ministers discussed strengthening the Maldives-India relationship and increasing air connectivity in a mutually beneficial manner.

Minister Naidu also met with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu at the President's Office today to discuss further strengthening bilateral ties.

Naidu also visited the seaplane terminal today to observe the operation of the world's largest seaplane fleet. The High Commission suggested that India could benefit from the Maldives' experience in this sector.

HIA, which was developed under a Line of Credit from India, was officially inaugurated in a colorful ceremony last night by President Muizzu and Minister Naidu.

The Hanimaadhoo Airport project is one of the largest airport development projects undertaken in the Maldives. The new terminal has been in use since last month. The project was awarded to India's Kalpataru Projects by the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in September 2022.

The new terminal is designed to reflect the natural beauty, culture, and lifestyle of the Maldives, featuring modern services. It is expected to become a landmark in the northern region and is currently the largest airport in the north of the country.

The project included:

The project was funded through a USD 136 million (MVR 2 billion) allocation under the USD 800 million Line of Credit provided by India's Exim Bank.