The Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, has rejected claims suggesting that the Government is preparing to lease the operations of Hanimaadhoo International Airport to a foreign company.

The allegations emerged amid ongoing redevelopment work at the airport, a project that has drawn increased political attention. Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom recently accused the current Administration of holding discussions to transfer the airport’s operations to India’s Adani Group. Speaking at events hosted by the People’s National Front, the former president claimed that such negotiations had taken place in Singapore. 

Responding to the claims in a statement on X, the Minister firmly denied the reports. He stated that no discussions of this nature had occurred during the President’s official visit, characterising the allegations as entirely unfounded. The Minister underlined that the Administration had not initiated, reviewed, or entertained any proposals involving the leasing or sale of the airport to a foreign party. Reaffirming the Government’s stance, he said that Hanimaadhoo International Airport would remain fully under Maldivian ownership and control, and stressed that there was no intention to relinquish operational authority.

Launched in January 2023, the initiative is being implemented by India’s JMC Projects. It involves a broad range of upgrades, including an extended runway and terminal, as well as the construction of a utility building, fuel storage facility, and airport jetty. According to projections, the entire redevelopment is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.

Regarded as one of the most ambitious infrastructure efforts ever undertaken in the atolls, the project carries an estimated value of USD 136.6 million. A major component is the extension of the runway to 2,465 metres. Due to constraints posed by the previous runway, an initial 1,200-metre segment was completed and officially inaugurated on 28 January this year.

Once fully completed, the upgraded runway is expected to significantly expand the airport’s operational capacity. The original facility could accommodate aircraft with seating for up to 150 passengers, whereas the new infrastructure will support larger aircraft with capacities between 250 and 300 passengers. This enhancement will enable the airport to manage up to 1.3 million passengers annually and receive international flights operated by Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft.

Currently, over 800 personnel are engaged on-site, with Government agencies working in close coordination to maintain project timelines. Progress has also been marked on the new terminal building, which draws inspiration from the form and movement of the Manta Ray. The two-storey structure is nearing completion, with the ground floor allocated for domestic operations and the upper level designated for international services. Notably, Hanimaadhoo will become the first airport in the atolls to feature an aerobridge system, with two boarding gates on each floor.