Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has firmly dismissed allegations that the government is planning to sell Hanimaadhoo International Airport to a foreign company, calling the rumors completely unfounded.

The clarification comes in response to accusations made by former President Abdulla Yameen, who claimed last Thursday in a PNF meeting that the administration was attempting to transfer ownership of the airport to India's Adani Group.

Yameen further alleged that government representatives had met with Adani Group Chairman in Singapore to discuss the sale, and asserted that Hanimaadhoo Airport was among the state assets listed for privatization.

Addressing the matter on social media, Minister Saeed denied holding any discussions in Singapore regarding the sale or lease of Hanimaadhoo Airport. 

Hanimaadhoo Airport’s development was initiated in 2019 under President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration, as part of a broader infrastructure initiative financed through an USD 800 million Line of Credit from the Export-Import Bank of India. Of this, USD 136 million (approximately MVR 2 billion) has been allocated specifically for the airport project.

Providing an update on the project’s status, Minister of Construction, Housing, and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muthalib recently revealed that the development is progressing steadily and is currently 88.7 percent complete.

The airport is expected to open as scheduled in September 2025.

According to Minister Muthalib, the runway has already been completed, while the passenger terminal has reached 83 percent completion.

The air traffic control tower, hangar, and cargo building are 96 percent complete.

Once completed, the upgraded airport will be equipped to accommodate large aircraft such as Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s, greatly improving air connectivity for the northern Maldives.