The first 1,400 meters of the new runway to be established under the Redevelopment of Hanimaadhoo International Airport project, will be operational in September.

This was revealed by the Regional Airport Company Limited.

In order to ensure smooth functioning of the airport’s operations, the construction of the new runway is being carried out in three phases. As part of the project, the new 2.7-kilometer runway is designed to connect with the existing runway.

Speaking to media regarding the project, RACL’s COO Ahmed Ibrahim revealed that the runway will measure up to 2,765 meters along with the safety area, and will be able to accommodate the largest aircrafts A320 and Boeing 737.

Ahmed Ibrahim went on to reveal that the work on the terminal component will be completed by the final quarter of 2024.

Construction of the airport terminal, jetty and other buildings along with the runway are currently underway as part of Hanimaadhoo International Airport redevelopment project. This includes Passenger Terminal Building Space Frame Roof, Jetty Terminal Building, ATC Tower and ARFF Block, Hanger Complex, Cargo Complex, Electrical Substation and Utility Block, GSE Support Area Office, three Security Cabins, five Watch Towers, MNDF Plot Buildings including Admin, Kitchen, Accommodation as well as a Flag Post and underground Baggage Handling System.

The Ministry of Economic Development estimates the redevelopment of Hanimaadhoo International Airport to revolutionize tourism in the north. The ministry also predicts that the people of the region will reap the economic benefits from the project.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih mobilized the physical work of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport redevelopment project, on January 18 this year.

This is one of the biggest development projects being undertaken by the government, outside of the capital Greater Malé Region.

The Hanimaadhoo Airport development project was handed over to India's JMC Projects on 25 September 2022, for USD 136.6 million. This is a development project carried out from the USD 800 million line of credit scheme provided by the government of India and is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2024.

Under the project, the existing 1.8 km runway of the airport will be expanded to 2.24 km. The project also includes construction of two taxiways that are 164 meters long, 34 meters wide, and 5.5 meters on either side; a 10,230 sqm building including land and seaside connectivity and passenger facilities, an apron of approximately 58,000 sqm, and establishment of a passenger terminal suitable for the operations of code aircraft.

The Hanimaadhoo International Airport development project is a presidential pledge of President Solih.