News Desk
In a pivotal juncture for the Maldives’ aviation landscape, Hanimaadhoo International Airport is poised to inaugurate its new 1,200-meter runway, ushering in a new era of night operations at Hanimaadhoo. Strategically designed in three phases, the extensive runway is slated to stretch across 2,465 meters upon completion, bolstering the airport’s capabilities and fostering regional connectivity.
Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih marked the commencement of physical work on January 18, 2023, underscoring the significance of this development. Spearheaded by India’s JMC Projects under a USD 136.6 million initiative, the airport redevelopment is a flagship project within the broader USD 800 million line of credit provided by the Indian government.
Beyond the imperative of facilitating night landings, the completed redevelopment, anticipated by the close of 2024, positions the airport to accommodate Boeing 737 and A320 aircraft. This expansion holds promise for enhanced connectivity, presenting new opportunities for the region’s economic and tourism sectors.
The comprehensive scope of the redevelopment extends far beyond the runway. A constellation of structures, including the Passenger Terminal Building, Jetty Terminal Building, ATC Tower and ARFF Block, Hanger Complex, Cargo Complex, Electrical Substation and Utility Block, GSE Support Area Office, three Security Cabins, five Watch Towers, MNDF Plot Buildings, and a Baggage Handling System, attests to the project’s ambitious scale.
The transformative impact of the Hanimaadhoo Airport development extends beyond infrastructural evolution. Anticipated to revolutionize tourism in the north, the project promises substantial economic benefits for the local population. The strategic move towards night operations stands as a testament to the airport’s commitment to efficiency, underlining its role as a regional hub with broader implications for the economic and tourism landscape in the northern region of the Maldives.
As Hanimaadhoo International Airport charts its course towards a new frontier in air travel, the amalgamation of infrastructural prowess and strategic vision sets the stage for a paradigm shift, positioning the Maldives at the forefront of regional aviation excellence.
