Hanimaadhoo

Muizzu Assigns Hirimaradhoo Voters to Hanimaadhoo Despite No Relocation

President Mohamed Muizzu reassigned voters from Hirimaradhoo to Hanimaadhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll for the 4 April local council elections, despite residents not relocating. The decree cited the Elections Act. Residents still live on Hirimaradhoo, with 260 residents per 2022 census, school up to grade 10, and daily services. Residents have requested relocation for years; preferred Kaafu Thulushdoo. In September 2024, council members met Local Government Minister Adam Shareef Umar. HDC took responsibility for a housing project in Hanimaadhoo in August, but construction has not started. Muizzu said work would be completed in 18 months. Criticism: MDP interim chairperson and Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa accused the government of attempting to influence the election, claiming Hirimaradhoo voters align with PNC/PPM. Residents continue living on Hirimaradhoo with no housing elsewhere.

MDP Interim Chair Ghafoor Urges Presidential Hopefuls to Prioritise Party Unity

Abdul Ghafoor Moosa, newly elected interim chairperson of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), urged members interested in contesting the next presidential election to prioritize party unity. Ghafoor was elected with 65 of 66 votes from the National Assembly. He thanked former chair Fayyaz Ismail and stated he has no intention of running for president. His immediate task is to prepare for local council elections. The election followed the collapse of an earlier leadership process after Abdulla Waheed withdrew, accusing party leaders of failing to honor commitments.

Fayyaz Says Hanimaadhoo Airport Will Drive Economic Growth in Northern Atolls

Opposition leader and MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail stated that the newly opened Hanimaadhoo International Airport will drive economic growth in the northern atolls. The $136.6 million project, funded by the Export-Import Bank of India, includes a 2,465-metre runway, a terminal with capacity for 1.3 million passengers annually, and a seaplane terminal in the second phase. The airport was officially opened with President Mohamed Muizzu and India's Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu in attendance. Fayyaz credited the Indian government for support and noted the airport's role in decentralizing Maldives' economy.

Upgraded Hanimaadhoo International Airport Opens

The upgraded Hanimaadhoo International Airport was officially opened on Sunday night, 9 November 2025, at a ceremony attended by President Mohamed Muizzu and India’s Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, special envoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The $136.6 million project, funded by EXIM Bank of India, includes a 2,465-metre runway, a 42,000-square-metre apron, and a terminal capable of handling 1.3 million passengers annually. The airport aims to boost tourism and economic growth in the northern region, with direct flights expected from the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Africa. A seaplane terminal is planned for the second phase.

Nasheed Urges Tender Process for Hanimaadhoo Airport Amid Adani Allegations

Former President Mohamed Nasheed called for Hanimaadhoo International Airport operations to be awarded through an open tender, suggesting private sector management. He made these comments in response to former President Abdulla Yameen’s allegations that the government plans to hand the airport to India’s Adani Group. Nasheed defended the terminated GMR deal, stating continued operation would have avoided MVR 2 billion in debt. Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed denied any sale or lease to foreign parties. The airport, funded by a $136.6 million Indian Exim Bank loan, is 88.7% complete with a 2.46 km runway and 1.3 million passenger capacity, targeting a September opening. Construction Minister Abdulla Muththalib confirmed the timeline.

Hanimaadhoo International Airport to Be Completed by September: Minister Muththalib

Construction Minister Abdulla Muththalib announced that the Hanimaadhoo International Airport development is 88.7% complete and on track for completion by September 2025. The project is financed through India Exim Bank Line of Credit. The runway is fully completed, the passenger terminal is 83% done, and other facilities are 96% complete. The $136.6 million expansion includes a new apron and runway capable of handling A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft, with a terminal capacity of 1.3 million passengers annually.

RACL Sets Record Straight on Hanimaadhoo Airport Altercation

Regional Airports Company Ltd. (RACL) clarified media reports about an altercation at Hanimaadhoo International Airport. The two individuals involved were not RACL staff nor airport employees; they were foreign workers (Indian nationals aged 37 and 39). One was taken into custody by Maldives Police Service. RACL assured no threat to airport security, and the incident is under investigation.

Hanimaadhoo International Airport Development on Schedule: Minister Ameen

Minister Mohamed Ameen confirmed the Hanimaadhoo International Airport development is on schedule after an inspection on Saturday. Work began in January last year. The runway has been completed in phases; the full 2,465-metre runway is now ready. The airport will handle A320 aircraft and a sea plane terminal will be developed under the second phase.

Hanimaadhoo Airport Expansion Project Set for Completion by March 2025: RACL

The Hanimaadhoo International Airport expansion project, initiated by the previous MDP-led government, is on track for completion by March 2025, according to RACL Managing Director Ahmed Mubeen. The project includes a new 2,465-meter runway for Airbus A320 aircraft, with the first 1,200-meter section inaugurated in January 2024. A terminal capable of handling 1.5 million tourists annually is being developed. The second phase will add a seaplane terminal, improving access to northern resorts. RACL is collaborating with the Tourism Ministry.

New Runway at Hanimaadhoo International Airport Becomes Operational

A 1,200-meter section of the new runway at Hanimaadhoo International Airport became operational on 28 January 2024, with an inaugural flight carrying RACL Managing Director Ahmed Mubeen and Island Aviation Deputy Managing Director Ali Saleem. The full 2,460-meter runway is expected to be completed by March 2024. The new section includes landing lights for night operations. Once fully complete, the airport will accommodate Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft, handle up to 1.3 million passengers annually, and have a fuel storage facility. Maldivian is expected to resume flights to India soon. The project is being done in three phases to avoid flight disruptions.

Hanimaadhoo Airport’s 1,200-Metre Runway Section To Become Operational Next Week

Hanimaadhoo Airport’s 1,200-Metre Runway Section Set for Completion Next Month: RACL

Work on 1,200 metres of the planned 2,460-metre runway at Hanimaadhoo International Airport will be completed in January 2024. After obtaining permits and establishing night landing facilities, the runway section will enable round-the-clock operations. The entire runway is expected by Q2 2024. The project, financed by Exim Bank of India, started in January 2023 and includes a new terminal with capacity for 1.3 million passengers per year. It will accommodate Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft, boosting economic activity in the Thiladhunmathi region.

Hanimaadhoo Airport Expansion Aims to Boost Tourism in North