The project, financed under a USD 800 million line of credit from the Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank), aims to upgrade the airport to accommodate international flights operated by aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737.
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On 13 May 2024, the Regional Airports Company Limited (RACL) announced that the construction of Hanimaadhoo International Airport has reached 83 percent completion. This announcement, made on the company’s official Facebook page, marks a significant milestone in the development of this key infrastructure project in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Hanimaadhoo.
This progress update comes just ahead of a major development in air connectivity. The national airline, Maldivian, recently announced the launch of its new international flight route between Hanimaadhoo and Bangalore, India, with services set to commence on 15 May 2025. The launch of this route is a strategic move to position Hanimaadhoo as a northern aviation hub and enhance direct international access to the Maldives.
The development agreement for Hanimaadhoo International Airport was signed in 2022 with JMC Projects (India) Ltd.The project, financed under a USD 800 million line of credit from the Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank), aims to upgrade the airport to accommodate international flights operated by aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737.
To prepare the airport for international operations, the project includes the construction of a 2.7-kilometre runway, a passenger terminal capable of handling 1.3 million passengers annually, a modern air traffic control tower, cargo facilities, and a fuel farm. Although the airport was initially slated for completion by 2024, the current progress indicates that the project is approaching its final stages and is expected to open to international traffic in the near future.
