Malé, Maldives – Ministry of Economic Development has announced the tender process of Hanimaadhoo International Airport development project today.
According to Economic Ministry, the project includes the development of 2.4 km runway, 111,000 sqft terminal, 624,000 sqft apron and other facilities with a capacity to handle 1.3 million passengers per annum.
Ministry also stated that with the development of the airport, Airbus A320 and Boeing 737’s would also be able to land in the new airport. Economic Ministry also added that Hanimaadhoo International Airport would enable operation of direct flights to South Asia, South-East Asia and East African countries.
Hanimaadhoo International Airport is being developed as a main hub of the northern Maldives. Government had previously stated that with the development of Hanimaadhoo International Airport, additional resorts, city hotels and guest houses would also benefit from the new airport.
While the Detailed Project Report (DRP) of Haa Dhaalu Atoll’s Hanimaadhoo International Airport expansion project was done by Airports Authority of India, the project is funded through a USD 800 million Line of Credit from EXIM Bank of India.
AAI had previously stated that the project will support President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s pledge to create 8,000 tourist beds in the north, by encouraging local and foreign investment in tourism, infrastructure, fisheries and other sectors.
India has engaged in 7 major infrastructure projects in the country under $ 800 million Line of Credit–and these include Water and Sewerage network for 34 islands, Addu Roads and Reclamation project, Gulhifalhu Port, (expansion of facilities of Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company, Cricket Stadium in Hulhumale, Hanimaadhoo International Airport expansion and Cancer Hospital in Hulhumale.
Another Line of Credit of $ 400 million and a grant of $ 100 million has been extended for the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) – the bridge and causeway network that will link Male to Vilingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.
