Hanimaadhoo airport will revolutionise Maldivian economy: Ameer
The government is set to sign an agreement India's JMC Projects on Sunday to award the development of HDh. Hanimaadhoo International Airport.
By
Ahmed Mizyal
Hanimaadhoo International Airport development project will bring revolutionary changes to the Maldivian economy, finance Minister ibrahim Ameer said Saturday.
As the government prepares to sign an agreement with India's JMC Projects on Sunday to award the development of HDh. Hanimaadhoo International Airport, Ameer said this is one of the largest investments out of capital Male in Maldivian history.
"Despite the challenges faced by the global economy, the development being brought by this administration in different islands of the country is bigger and more comprehensive than in previous years," he said on Twitter.
The project was awarded to India's JMC for MVR 2.1 billion, shortlisted by the Exim Bank of India from among four Indian bidders.
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Hanimaadhoo International Airport is being redeveloped under a $800 million line of credit provided by Exim Bank of India
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The project is expected to be completed and begin services in 2024
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The project will include a 2.46 km runway and a brand new terminal with the capacity to accommodate 1.3 million passengers annually
In a previous statement, economic ministry outlined some benefits of developing t
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Upon completion of the project, the airport can cater to Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft
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Direct flights from the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Africa will boost tourism in the upper north region
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Cargo can be directly air-freighted to the north from abroad.
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Facilitate export of Maldivian fish products from the northern region.
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Makes way for the development of a maritime hub in the north to service cargo liners and other vessels crossing Maldivian channels.
Although the airport redevelopment project had previously been planned to commence in mid-year, the credit line needed an extension.
During President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's official visit to India early August 2022, India added another $100 million to the existing credit line.
