India’s FM set to travel to Maldives to inaugurate Hanimaadhoo airport project

India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is scheduled to travel to the Maldives for the inauguration of HDh. Hanimaadhoo Airport development project.

Hanimaadhoo Airport Development Project was awarded to India’s JMC Projects Limited on August 11, 2022 for USD 136.6 million.

A senior government official confirmed Jaishankar’s scheduled trip to the Maldives to Sun on Thursday.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will also take part in the inauguration ceremony of the project.

A specific date for the ceremony is yet to be disclosed.

The project financed by Line of Credit from India’s EXIM Bank executed between the Government of Maldives the Bank in 2019 – comprises of a scope of a 2.46-kilometer new runway and a terminal with an annual capacity of 1.3 million passengers.

Economic Ministry revealed that by the end of the project, the airport will be able to accommodate large commercial aircrafts including Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s. The airport will also provide a direct getaway for flights from South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Africa. The development of Hanimadhoo International Airport is one the most important projects initiated by the administration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

The government has previously stated that the project is an important one being carried out under its policy to develop northern Maldives as the main economic hub.

Economic Ministry said that the airport will reach completion and begin operations in 2024.