A new chapter in air connectivity has begun in the northern Maldives as President Dr Mohamed Muizzu officially opened Hanimaadhoo International Airport, a state-of-the-art gateway designed to connect travellers more seamlessly to some of the country’s most pristine and less-explored atolls.
Arriving on Sunday night with First Lady Sajidha Mohamed aboard a Maldivian Airbus A320, President Muizzu touched down on the newly extended runway in what marked the first landing of one of the largest narrow-body aircraft at Hanimaadhoo. The flight itself carried a special local touch: the aircraft was piloted by a native of Hanimaadhoo, underscoring the deep sense of pride felt by the island’s residents. On arrival, the aircraft was greeted with a ceremonial water salute, and the President was welcomed at the aero bridge by senior officials from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) and government representatives before entering the newly built terminal.
The inauguration ceremony drew high-level participation, reflecting the importance of the project for both regional development and international connectivity. Among the dignitaries in attendance were India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Special Envoy and Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Cabinet Ministers and residents from across Haa Dhaalu Atoll. The evening celebration featured a vibrant light show and fireworks, creating a festive atmosphere that mirrored the hopes of communities across the northern Maldives.
Hanimaadhoo International Airport has been developed as a modern international facility capable of supporting sustained tourism growth. The new 2,465-metre runway can accommodate the largest Code C aircraft, including Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s, allowing for direct international services from regional hubs. The upgraded apron can park up to nine aircraft at the same time — three Airbus jets and six ATR turboprops, significantly enhancing operational capacity and enabling more frequent connections between the northern atolls and the wider world. The airport complex also includes a modern cargo terminal and an advanced air traffic control tower, ensuring safe and efficient operations for passenger and freight services alike.
At the heart of the development is a spacious 10,380-square-metre passenger terminal designed with the comfort and flow of international travellers in mind. The building is functionally divided between domestic and international operations, with the first floor serving domestic flights and the upper floors catering to international routes. Each level features two boarding gates, supporting smooth passenger movement during peak travel periods. Hanimaadhoo is also the first atoll airport in the country to feature an aero bridge, allowing passengers to board and disembark directly from the terminal in comfort regardless of the weather a notable enhancement for long-haul and regional visitors.
Architecturally, the airport has been designed to reflect the natural beauty of the Maldives, with a focus on airy spaces and contemporary finishes that echo the colours of the sea and sky. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to handle up to 1.3 million passengers annually, opening the northern atolls to more direct international access while providing a smoother domestic transfer experience for travellers arriving via Velana International Airport in Malé.
The project, developed by India’s JMC, represents an investment of USD 136.6 million. Practical construction work began in January 2022 and has been completed over a three-year period, during which the airport was transformed from a domestic facility into a fully fledged international gateway. According to President Muizzu, when the current administration took office only around 28–30 percent of the project had been completed; approximately 70 percent of the remaining work, including key infrastructure such as the passenger terminal, cargo terminal, jetty, fire station and power plant, was delivered under the present government within a compressed timeframe. The President highlighted this as the fulfilment of a promise he made to the people of Hanimaadhoo during the presidential campaign, when residents had asked whether the airport project would move forward at pace. He committed at the time to not only continue the work but to accelerate it, a pledge he now says has been honoured.
In his address at the opening, President Muizzu stressed that Hanimaadhoo International Airport is far more than an infrastructure upgrade; he described it as a gateway to development for the entire northern region. He noted that the airport will drive wide-ranging change across the northern atolls by improving connectivity for tourism, fisheries, agriculture, commerce and social development. As an anchor for an integrated development zone in the north, the airport is expected to create new opportunities for communities, businesses and investors, while helping to distribute economic activity more evenly across the country.
The President also called on local communities to actively harness the opportunities created by the new facility. He urged residents of Hanimaadhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll and the broader northern region to make full use of the new gateway to foster sustainable and rapid development. He further invited domestic and international investors from small and medium-sized enterprises to larger corporations to explore the potential of the northern atolls, assuring that the government stands ready to support tourism, hospitality and other ventures that bring long-term value to the region.
For travellers, the airport’s opening means easier access to the unspoiled northern reaches of the country. Hanimaadhoo Island, situated in Haa Dhaalu Atoll roughly 290–320 kilometres north of Malé, serves as a strategic hub for nearby local islands, guesthouses and high-end resort destinations scattered across Haa Dhaalu, Haa Alifu and neighbouring atolls. With improved runway capacity and modern facilities, international scheduled and charter flights can now connect directly to the north or via short domestic sectors, making multi-island itineraries and nature-focused escapes more convenient for visitors.
MACL’s Chief Executive Officer, Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, highlighted the airport’s role in revitalising the northern economy during his remarks at the ceremony. He noted that Hanimaadhoo International Airport is expected to deliver a strong boost to tourism and related services across the northern atolls, driving demand for accommodation, excursions, transport and local experiences. He characterised the project as the key to the region’s growth, adding that its benefits would extend beyond Hanimaadhoo to neighbouring communities and islands. Shareef also underlined the decisive push provided by President Muizzu to complete core components of the project in a short period and expressed appreciation to the Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, Dr Abdulla Muththalib, and his team for their role in finalising the passenger terminal.
The airport also stands as a symbol of close cooperation between the Maldives and India. Developed by India’s JMC and supported through Indian financing channels, the project underscores the partnership between the two countries in enhancing connectivity and infrastructure. The presence of India’s Minister of Civil Aviation as Special Envoy at the opening ceremony further highlighted this shared commitment to modern, reliable transport links that benefit both travellers and local communities.
Originally a domestic airport serving smaller aircraft, Hanimaadhoo has now been reshaped into an international hub that aligns with the needs of today’s travel market. With its extended runway, expanded apron, dedicated cargo facilities and efficient terminal layout, the airport is well positioned to support scheduled international flights, regional connections and charter operations serving both resort and guesthouse tourism in the north.
As airlines and travel partners begin to incorporate Hanimaadhoo International Airport into their networks, visitors will gain more options to experience the quieter, more traditional side of Maldivian island life alongside the country’s renowned turquoise lagoons and white-sand beaches. For the tourism industry, the opening marks a major step in unlocking the full potential of the northern atolls creating new circuits, new products and new memories for guests seeking authentic island experiences in the Maldives.
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