The Hanimaadhoo International Airport development project will revolutionize the economy of Bodu-Thiladhunmathi, as well as the entire country, Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer has said.
Minister Ameer's remarks come as the formal agreement for the development of Hanimaadhoo airport is scheduled to be signed between the Maldives government and India's JMC Projects Limited on Sunday. Minister Ameer Saturday said the development of Hanimaadhoo International Airport is one of the largest investments in the history of the country in an area outside the capital.
The Maldives government first announced the decision to award the development of Hanimaadhoo International Airport to JMC on August 10. JMC is already involved in several flat construction and water and sewerage projects in the Maldives. JMC was awarded the contract for $136.6 million -- MVR 2.1 billion.
The Hanimaadhoo International Airport is being redeveloped under an $800 million line of credit scheme provided by Exim Bank of India. Including JMC, four companies had submitted bids for the project when the deadline expired in March this year.
The Hanimaadhoo airport development project will include a 2.46 km runway and a brand new terminal with the capacity to cater to 1.3 million passengers per annum. Other facilities needed to expand international flight services will also be established under the project. The project is scheduled to kick off later this year and will be completed in 2024.
Changes to Hanimaadhoo Airport
Airside, landside and building infrastructure upgrades
Expansion of the airport runway from 1350m to 2460m
Two taxiways 164 meters long, 34 meters wide, and 5.5 meters on either side
10,230 sq m building including land and seaside connectivity and passenger facilities
Design of an apron of approximately 58,000 sq m
Establishment of a suitable passenger terminal for the operations of code aircraft
The redeveloped airport will provide services to Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft. Direct flights to the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Africa will be operated to Hanimaadhoo.
The development of Hanimaadhoo International Airport is a presidential pledge of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
