Male: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the Hanimaadhoo International Airport on Sunday, a key infrastructure project built with Indian government funding under its Line of Credit assistance. Describing it as a “gateway to prosperity” for the country’s north, Muizzu hailed the airport as a symbol of economic transformation.
“This is not just an airport; it is a catalyst for unlocking the potential of northern Maldives and enhancing global connectivity,” he said, according to a statement from the President’s Office.
Muizzu said the new airport would boost tourism, agriculture, fisheries, and economic activity while driving social development in the northern region, Sun.mv reported.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Indian Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and senior officials from both countries.
Highlighting the milestone, Muizzu noted that the airport stands as a testament to the strong Maldives-India friendship as the two nations celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations this year, Edition.mv reported.
In a post on X, the Indian High Commission in the Maldives called the project a “true vehicle for progress and prosperity, and a symbol of India’s commitment under the Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR vision.”
The airport’s development was financed through an USD 800 million Line of Credit from India’s EXIM Bank under a 2019 agreement with the Maldivian government. The construction contract, worth USD 136.6 million, was awarded to India’s JMC Projects, and the facility is expected to enhance tourism and economic opportunities in the northern atolls.
Earlier in the day, Minister Naidu met Maldives’ Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel in Male, where both reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
According to state-run Public Service Media (PSM News), the two ministers discussed ways to deepen cooperation, enhance connectivity, and advance mutually beneficial development initiatives. The Indian High Commission described the meeting as “fruitful discussions” in a post on X.
