Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen has stated that the management of Hanimaadhoo International Airport will not be handed over to any foreign party and will remain under the operation of the Maldivian government.

The Maldivian government has sought assistance from the Indian government in relation to the operation of the airport, including hiring a company to support its management. However, the minister clarified that government policy requires all airports in the Maldives to be operated by Maldivian entities designated by the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority.

Hanimaadhoo International Airport, located in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, was officially re-opened on November 9, 2025. The airport features a 2.7-kilometre runway developed under a USD 136 million project funded by India’s Exim Bank.

The airport development project began on January 18, 2023, under a credit line agreement signed between the Maldivian government and India’s Exim Bank in 2019. The project also includes the development of additional facilities to expand international flight operations.

Once completed, Hanimaadhoo International Airport will be capable of accommodating Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft, supporting increased regional and international connectivity.