Hanimadhoo, Maldives — The long-awaited Hanimadhoo International Airport (HIA) has officially opened its doors, marking a transformative milestone for the Maldives’ northern atolls and a shining example of the Maldives–India development partnership. The airport was jointly inaugurated by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and India’s Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, representing the Government of India as India’s Special Envoy of the Prime Minister for the ceremony.
Built under an Indian Line of Credit worth USD 132.8 million, and executed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) subsidiary KPI Infrastructure Ltd, the HIA project embodies India’s “Neighborhood First” policy and the “MAHASAGAR Vision,” reflecting New Delhi’s commitment to deepening regional connectivity and prosperity across the Indian Ocean.
Described as a “vehicle for progress and prosperity,” the new international gateway is expected to become a catalyst for tourism, investment, and economic development across northern Maldives — an area that has long awaited a world-class air transport hub.
In a statement welcoming Minister Naidu, Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Khaleel, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration between the two nations.
“We look forward to engaging in constructive discussions to enhance connectivity and further strengthen people-to-people ties and economic linkages between Maldives and India,” Minister Khaleel said.
Minister Naidu echoed similar sentiments, noting that the project symbolizes India’s enduring partnership with the Maldives.
“We had fruitful discussions today on strengthening our bilateral relations. We focused on enhancing air connectivity and deepening cooperation between India and the Maldives,” Minister Naidu stated.
The Hanimadhoo International Airport is now a modern aviation facility equipped to handle larger aircraft and international passenger traffic. It is also poised to transform the economic landscape of northern Maldives, offering new gateways for tourism growth, business investment, and employment.
As flights prepare for takeoff, HIA stands not just as an infrastructure project, but as a symbol of enduring friendship and shared vision between the Maldives and India — one built on connectivity, development, and mutual progress.
