The first commercial jet has landed at Hanimaadhoo International Airport, achieving a significant milestone in the northern region’s aviation development following the completion of the airport’s multi-million-dollar expansion project.

The jet arrived at 9:40 a.m, transporting eight tourists to Hideaway Beach & Resort and Spa, and became the first commercial aircraft of its kind to operate from the airport since its redevelopment.

Although the airport was designated an international airport 39 years ago, services remained limited for decades due to runway constraints, with only ATR and Dash aircraft operating and occasional international flights to Trivandrum, India. The airport has now been developed at a cost of USD 136.6 million (MVR 2 billion) with assistance from India, incorporating a new runway, a modern passenger terminal and upgraded facilities to international standards.

The upgraded Hanimaadhoo International Airport is now designed to accommodate commercial jets, private aircraft and wide-body operations, with a runway extended to 2,465 metres and an apron capable of handling nine aircraft simultaneously. This includes space for three Airbus-type jets and six ATR aircraft, supported by modern ground-handling facilities and the first aero-bridge installed at an atoll airport.

The new 10,380-square-metre terminal has been structured to separate domestic and international traffic, with domestic services on the ground floor and international departures and arrivals on the upper level, each equipped with two boarding gates. Built to handle up to 1.3 million passengers annually, the terminal can now take A320 and Boeing 737 flights, as well as up to 15 private jets, particularly for tourism and seasonal peak travel.

The Government has stated that the improved connectivity will support wider economic plans for the northern atolls, with tourism incentives introduced and stalled projects such as the stalled development of Naagoshi being reopened through financing arrangements involving MTDC and Bank of Maldives (BML). Policies have also been revised to provide investment concessions to boost tourism growth in Haa Dhaalu, Haa Alifu and Shaviyani atolls.