The construction of Hanimaadhoo Airport to an international level has begun this evening. 

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar inaugurated the construction of the Hanimadhoo Airport project during a special ceremony held tonight in Haa Dhaalu Atoll Hanimadhoo. 

The airport project is being developed under a loan agreement of USD 136 (MVR 2.1 billion) from the Exim Bank of India. 

JMC Exports, India's largest infrastructure company, has been entrusted with the task of executing the project. The airport is being developed as follows:

* The project is expected to be completed by 2024

* A new 2.46 km runway will be set up 

* A state-of-the-art terminal will be built to cater to 1.3 crore passengers a year

* Airbus A320 and Boeing 737s will be able to operate at Hanimaadhoo Airport  

In a video report released at the ceremony, Economy Minister Fayyaz Ismail said that the development of Hanimaadhoo airport was a long-standing aspiration of the people of the north. Fayaz said that this will give life to the entire country's economy and make Hanimadhoo the main hub of the North.

With this new airport, direct flights from the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia and Africa will be operating directly to Hanimaadhoo.