The government has released the timeline according to which Hanimaadhoo International Airport will be developed.
According to the timeline publicized by the Economic Ministry, the detailed project report and the prequalification process have now reached completion. The tender process will commence on July 31st and is expected to conclude by August 30. Contracts will be awarded for the development of the airport on September 29, and the project is expected to reach completion by June 29, 2023.
The Development of Hanimaadhoo Airport is funded under a USD 800 million Line of Credit Scheme from India's EXIM Bank. The main components of the project will be completed by Indian companies. The government has said it will be extending the airport's current boundaries by adding an 853,937 square feet plot of land. However, both the island council and its residents have voiced concern on the matter.
Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail has previously said if citizens have concerns regarding the extension of the airport's boundaries, changes can be brought to the airport plans. In this regard, the construction of a transit hotel on the extra land can be omitted from the project. The land is most important to extend the runway, and the runway will be extended by 2,460 meters in the first phase, said Fayyaz. Further extensions are planned for ten years from now, but if the island council does not wish to grant land for the project, the airport will have to be moved to another location, said Fayyaz. Therefore, it is important to plan ahead and secure the land beforehand, said the minister.
Projected image of upgraded Hanimaadhoo International Airport
