Hanimaadhoo International Airport to Complete Development by March 2025

The ongoing development of Hanimaadhoo International Airport is on track to be completed by March 2025, according to Ahmed Mubeen, Managing Director of Regional Airports Company Limited (RACL). In a recent announcement, Mubeen revealed that the new runway at the airport is fully completed and will be opened for operations on June 23.
This development project, launched in January 2023, includes the construction of a 2.46-kilometer runway capable of accommodating larger aircraft such as Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s. The enhanced infrastructure is expected to significantly boost tourism and the local economy of the surrounding atoll.
The first phase of the project focused on establishing the new 2,465-meter runway. Due to land constraints affecting both the new and previous runways, the initial 1,200 meters of the new runway were put into operation on January 28, 2024. The remaining 1,200 meters have now been completed, with preparations underway to make the runway fully operational.
Mubeen, speaking on PSM News, emphasized that all final preparations are ongoing to officially commence operations at the airport. Once completed, Hanimaadhoo International Airport will have the capacity to serve 1.5 million passengers annually and operate 24 hours a day. Mubeen also noted that all practical aspects of the airport development project will be finalized by the end of the year.
The development of Hanimaadhoo International Airport involves collaborative efforts from various agencies. The Ministry of Tourism and northern region resorts are working together to ensure that tourists booked for these resorts will fly directly to Hanimaadhoo International Airport, rather than Velana International Airport (VIA).
RACL acknowledged the government’s dedication to advancing the airport’s development. Plans for a second phase of the project are already in place, which includes the construction of a seaplane terminal. This addition will enable tourists to travel directly to the resorts from Hanimaadhoo, further enhancing the convenience and appeal of the region for international visitors.
The completion of this airport development project is a significant milestone for the Maldives. By enhancing the infrastructure and capacity of Hanimaadhoo International Airport, the Maldives aims to attract more tourists, boost the local economy, and provide a seamless travel experience for visitors to the northern region.