Maldives inaugurates the India-funded Hanimaadhoo Airport, unlocking northern growth, boosting tourism, and strengthening bilateral ties.
The Maldives has officially inaugurated the Hanimaadhoo International Airport, a landmark infrastructure project built with financial assistance from India. President Mohamed Muizzu unveiled the airport on November 9, 2025, describing it as a “catalyst” for economic growth in the country’s northern region and a crucial step toward enhancing global connectivity.
Funded under the Government of India’s $800 million Line of Credit through EXIM Bank, the development was contracted to India’s JMC Projects for $136.6 million. The new airport is expected to usher in growth across tourism, agriculture, fisheries, and local commerce, while delivering social development to remote atolls.
“This is not just an airport; it’s a symbol of economic transformation,” President Muizzu said, calling it a “gateway to prosperity” for communities in the northern Maldives. The inauguration comes as India and the Maldives celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations, reinforcing regional cooperation and trust.
The event was attended by India’s Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, along with senior officials from both countries. In discussions earlier the same day, Minister Naidu and Maldivian Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening connectivity and pursuing mutually beneficial development initiatives.
In a post on X, the Indian High Commission hailed the airport as a “true vehicle for progress and prosperity”, aligning with India’s Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR vision to support maritime neighbours.
The new international airport is expected to significantly boost tourism to the northern atolls, offering improved access for visitors and creating new economic opportunities for local communities.
As the first flights prepare to take off, the Hanimaadhoo Airport stands as a testament to the growing partnership between India and the Maldives, one poised to shape the region’s economic future.
Source: The Hindu
