India-funded Hanimaadhoo Airport inaugurated by Maldives President Muizzu and India’s Minister Ram Mohan Naidu

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu and India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, on Sunday inaugurated the upgraded Hanimaadhoo International Airport, a major facility in the northern Maldives built with India’s financial and technical assistance.

Originally constructed 39 years ago for smaller aircraft like ATRs and Dash-8s, the airport has now been expanded to accommodate larger jets, including Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. With a passenger capacity of 1.3 million annually, Hanimaadhoo Airport is a major hub for the northern Maldives, expected to significantly boost tourism, trade, fisheries, and regional development.

The redevelopment was financed through an USD 800 million line of credit from India’s EXIM Bank, formalized in 2019. India also provided technical and construction assistance, with the project executed by India’s JMC Projects at a cost of USD 136.6 million. The collaboration included planning, construction, and upgrading the infrastructure to international standards.

Addressing the inauguration, President Muizzu said, “This is not just an airport, it is a symbol of economic transformation. It will bring further advancement to tourism, agriculture, fisheries, and the economy, as well as social development to the north. This airport serves as a monument to the strength of Maldives-India ties as we celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations.”

Indian Minister Naidu described the airport as “a testament to the enduring partnership between India and Maldives. This project demonstrates India’s commitment under the Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR vision, and will act as a true vehicle for progress and prosperity in the northern Maldives.”

Opposition leader and former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid also welcomed the inauguration, stating, “Every Indian-supported project was politicised in the past, yet today, President Muizzu has inaugurated the very project his campaign once criticised. This airport is now a symbol of international cooperation and development that benefits all Maldivians.”

Hanimaadhoo International Airport is not only functionally upgraded but also architecturally striking. Its terminal features a dramatic timber diagrid roof inspired by local marine life, particularly the manta ray, and incorporates sustainable elements such as north-facing rooflights, large overhangs, rainwater harvesting, and roof-mounted photovoltaics. While the design was executed by international firms like Haptic Architects and Narud Stokke Wiig, India played a key role as the executing partner.

During his visit, Minister Naidu met Maldives’ Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, with both officials reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. “Both ministers discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation, enhance connectivity, and advance mutually beneficial development initiatives,” the state-run Public Service Media reported. The Indian High Commission described the discussions as “fruitful.”

While Hanimaadhoo Airport was designed by international architects, the project highlights India’s capability to support technically advanced, globally significant infrastructure with both financing and execution expertise. This makes it not just a major airport, but also a landmark of modern architectural and engineering collaboration in the region.