Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed has described the newly inaugurated Hanimaadhoo International Airport as an “economic beacon illuminating the Upper North,” symbolizing a historic leap toward regional development.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Shareef said the airport fulfills a centuries-old aspiration of the northern atolls, unlocking vast opportunities for employment, trade, and tourism. He emphasized that the new gateway will create thousands of jobs and significantly increase foreign currency inflows, marking a new chapter in economic empowerment for the region.
Shareef noted that the airport’s operation will have a transformative impact on the national tourism sector, expressing confidence that Hanimaadhoo will soon accommodate 1.5 million tourists annually. He referred to the project as a “jewel” of economic heritage that will bring prosperity and happiness to the northern atolls, adding that its preservation is a shared responsibility of local communities.
Highlighting the government’s decisive role, Shareef stated that when the current administration took office, key components of the airport, including the passenger and cargo terminals, jetty, fire station, and powerhouse, were incomplete. He credited President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s leadership for expediting the project and ensuring its timely completion.
Developed under a $136.6 million (MVR 2 billion) contract awarded to India’s JMC Projects, the Hanimaadhoo International Airport now features a 2,465-meter runway and a modern 10,380-square-meter terminal equipped to handle major international operations.
The project stands as one of the most significant infrastructure achievements in northern Maldives, positioning Hanimaadhoo as the central hub for aviation, trade, and tourism in the region.
