The Economic Ministry is seeking a party to develop Hanimaadhoo International Airport.
India's EXIM Bank has granted the Maldives a USD 800 million line of credit to develop the airport. Only parties shortlisted by the EXIM Bank may bid for the project.
Under the airport development project, a 2.46-kilometer runway and a terminal with an annual capacity of 1.3 million passengers will be developed. Other equipment and resources necessary to expand international travel services will also be established at the airport.
The Economic Ministry said upon completion of the project, Airbus A320, and Boeing-737 aircraft can be accommodated at Hanimaadhoo Airport. It will allow direct flights from the middle east, south Asia, Southeast Asia, and eastern Africa to operate to the airport.
The development of Hanimaadhoo International Airport is a presidential pledge of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
The Economic Ministry said the project is carried out under the government's efforts to establish a central economic hub in the Maldives' south. In this regard, the number of resorts, city hotels, and guest houses in the region can be increased, further expanding tourism.
Additionally, the ministry said that the airport project will play a vital role in helping expand yellowfin tuna fishery and other sectors.
