Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has begun interim operations from the new terminal building at Hanimaadhoo International Airport, marking a key step toward the official opening scheduled for 9 November 2025. The move comes as part of the airport’s multi-phase redevelopment project designed to accommodate larger Code C aircraft and expand northern aviation capacity.
Interim Operations Begin from New Terminal
In an announcement issued on 14 October 2025, MACL confirmed that all airport operations previously handled at the old terminal have been shifted to the ground floor of the new terminal effective 15 October 2025.
According to MACL, this transition will enable the safe demolition of existing structures near the old runway zone, ensuring compliance with Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA) guidelines for runway clearance and safety ahead of Code C flight operations.
“The shift allows us to continue passenger services without disruption while completing essential safety and construction work in the restricted area,” the company said.
Old Jetty Permanently Closed
As part of this operational adjustment, the airport jetty adjacent to the old terminal has been permanently closed. MACL requested all passengers, service providers, and airport staff who previously used the old jetty to temporarily access the Hanimaadhoo Harbor until further notice.
The authority also expressed regret for any inconvenience caused during the transition, emphasizing that these measures are critical for ensuring smooth commissioning of the new facilities.
Preparing for Official Opening
The relocation of operations forms the final stage of preparations for the grand opening of Hanimaadhoo International Airport’s new terminal, which MACL has confirmed is planned for 9 November 2025.
The new terminal—part of the Hanimaadhoo Airport Redevelopment Project—will feature a two-level structure, with the ground floor serving domestic passengers and the upper level catering to international traffic. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to handle over 1 million passengers annually and support direct regional flights.
This transition, MACL stated, represents “a significant milestone toward realizing the vision of welcoming Code C aircraft and enhancing northern Maldives connectivity under the Re-development of Hanimaadhoo International Project.”
Paving the Way for Runway Expansion
MACL highlighted that the shift to the new terminal was also necessary to facilitate the runway expansion works, part of a broader plan to bring Hanimaadhoo in line with MCAA safety and operational standards.
Once completed, the upgraded runway will enable narrow-body jets such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 to operate directly to and from the northern atolls, opening new routes for tourism and trade.
A Strategic Step for Northern Development
The Hanimaadhoo International Airport redevelopment is one of the Maldives’ most ambitious regional infrastructure projects, aligning with the government’s decentralization vision to strengthen economic activity outside Malé.
MACL noted that the interim transition marks not just a logistical shift, but a symbolic step toward greater regional connectivity and development.
“This transition enables the safe demolition of structures within the restricted zone, paving the way for the runway expansion in line with MCAA’s safety standards,” MACL stated in a social media update.
With interim operations now underway and the official inauguration on the horizon, Hanimaadhoo Airport is poised to emerge as a major aviation hub linking the northern Maldives to international markets.
