India's JMC Projects Limited has been awarded the development of Hanimaadhoo International Airport.
JMC is already involved in flat construction and water and sewerage projects in the Maldives.
An announcement issued by the Economic Ministry on Wednesday said the project was awarded to JMC for USD 136.6 million.
The Hanimaadhoo International Airport is being redeveloped under a USD 800 million line of credit scheme provided by Exim Bank of India. Therefore, only Indian companies shortlisted by the Exim Bank were given the opportunity to submit bids for the project. The deadline for submission of bids expired on March 21 this year.
The Hanimaadhoo Airport redevelopment project will include a 2.46 km runway and a brand new terminal with a capacity to accommodate 1.3 million passengers annually. Other facilities needed to expand international flight services will also be established. While the airport's reconstruction is scheduled to begin later this year, it is expected to reach completion and start service in 2024.
Changes to Hanimaadhoo Airport
- Airside, landside, and building infrastructure upgrades
- Expansion of the airport runway from 1350 m to 2460 m
- Construction of two taxiways which are 164 meters long, 34 meters wide, and 5.5 meters on either side
- Construction of a 10,230 sqm building including land and seaside connectivity and passenger facilitation
- Construction of an apron of approximately 58,000 sqm
- Establishment of a suitable passenger terminal for the operations of code aircraft
After the completion of the airport project, the airport will be able to accommodate Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft for international flights. As per the Economic Ministry, direct flights to the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Africa will be operated from Hanimaadhoo.
The development of Hanimaadhoo International Airport is a presidential pledge of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
