Regional Airports Managing Director Ahmed Mubeen has stated that the development of Hanimaadhoo International Airport, contracted to India's JMC Exports, will be completed by mid-next year.

Speaking on MMTV's Bodu Khabaru programme, Mubeen highlighted the project's rapid progress despite operational challenges and adverse weather conditions. While initially targeting a March opening, weather delays have pushed the launch to June-July.

The USD 136.6 million (MVR 2.1 billion) project, funded through India's USD 800 million credit line to the Maldives, encompasses a 2.46 kilometre runway, a modern terminal designed to handle 1.3 million annual passengers, along with a tower, fuel storage, hangar and harbour facilities.

Construction has reached 77 per cent completion overall, with the runway finished and work now concentrated on the distinctive Manta Ray-shaped, two-storey terminal building. The cargo terminal and airport tower are at 90 and 88 per cent completion respectively.

The project, which commenced in January 2023 with a two-year timeline, is being executed in consultation with Maldives Airports Company, the facility's future operator.