Economic Minister, Fayyaaz Ismail has said that the project to develop and expand the airport at Hanimaadhoo International Airport in Haa Dhaalu Atoll.

He made the announcement last night at the open platform for the people of Has Dhaalu Atoll to ask questions as part of MDP's "Rahvehi Fathis" program.

Minister Fayyaaz said that the Hanimaadhoo airport expansion work is moving forward and so the project report has been completed and sent to India for validation.

He said that the first phase of the Tendering will be completed in March through the Indian government and the Exim Bank.

The Economic Minister said that they are hoping a contract can be singing between July and August and the project can be mobilized between September and October.

The Hanimaadhoo airport expansion project includes developing the runway to 2,200 meters to accommodate the A320 and the Boeing 737 planes along with develop fuel farms, terminals, fire station and as cargo terminal.

Maldives and India signed a line of credit of USD 800 million in 2018 during President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's visit to India.