The new terminal at Hanimaadhoo International Airport officially commenced operations today. This is a major milestone in the airport’s ongoing upgrade project, which is expected to be fully completed by next month.

Airport operations have now been relocated from the old terminal to the newly constructed terminal, following a successful testing phase conducted by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL). During the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) process, the terminal’s systems and procedures were tested for both arriving and departing passengers, with MACL confirming that all checks were completed smoothly.

The relocation was carried out in accordance with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) guidelines. As part of the wider upgrade, the old terminal building, runway, and surrounding areas are being cleared and prepared to accommodate Code C aircraft, including Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 models.

Final preparations are underway to optimise terminal services, fine-tune procedures, and test equipment and machinery before the official opening. MACL is also conducting staff training to ensure that all operations align with international and civil aviation standards.

Hanimaadhoo International Airport features a 2,465-metre runway and will include an aerobridge capable of handling up to 1.3 million passengers annually. The project, valued at USD 136.6 million, was contracted to India’s JMC Projects Limited in January 2023.