The Maldivian government has denied reports suggesting it sought Indian companies to manage Hanimaadhoo International Airport, which was recently inaugurated after a major redevelopment with India’s support.
Hanimaadhoo International Airport was upgraded to modern international standards under a USD 800 million line of credit from India’s EXIM Bank, part of a 2019 agreement signed during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration. The airport was officially inaugurated on November 9 by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, alongside India’s Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, representing Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Indian newspaper The Hindu reported earlier this week that India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, at the request of the Maldivian government, had asked the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to study a proposal for “engaging Indian companies” to manage Hanimaadhoo International Airport. The report cited a senior Indian ministry official and claimed the request was made during Minister Naidu’s visit for the airport inauguration.
However, Maldives Minister of Transport Mohamed Ameen rejected the report, saying the government has no plans to hand over operations of Hanimaadhoo International Airport—or any other airport in the Maldives—to a foreign company.
The report drew attention due to past experience with foreign management of key airports. Velana International Airport, previously known as Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, was handed over to India’s GMR Group in 2010 under a concession agreement. The deal sparked public protests, legal challenges, and political opposition, leading to its termination in 2012. The episode remains a sensitive reference point in Maldives regarding national control of strategic infrastructure.
Officials emphasized that while international cooperation and financing for infrastructure projects are welcome, management and operations of Maldivian airports will remain under national control to protect sovereignty and serve national interests.
