President says aim for 8,000 tourist beds in Haa Alif, Haa Dhaalu in 5 years
Government on Sunday signed an agreement with India's JMC Projects to develop the international airport on Hanimaadhoo.
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By
Mariyam Umna Ismail
Development of the international airport on the island of Hanimaadhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll will expand tourism in the northern part of the country as the government aims to develop 8,000 tourist beds in the region, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said on Tuesday.
Government on Sunday signed an agreement with India's JMC Projects to develop the international airport on Hanimaadhoo, a development touted as the biggest infrastructure development project in the northern part of the country.
Speaking at a ceremony held Tuesday afternoon in HA. Utheemu to inaugurate the island's new powerhouse and office building, President Solih said that the development of Hanimaadhoo airport will open up more opportunities for tourism development in Haa Alif and Haa Dhaalu Atolls.
"Our goal is to develop 8,000 beds here at least in the next four-five years. I don't think investors who will expand tourism in the region will have to step back anymore," he said.
"With this development, I believe that with the changes, there will be no delay in bringing major changes to the whole of Thiladhunmathi atoll."
Both the far north and south of the country lag behind the central region in tourism, with only a few resorts operating in both Haa Alif and Haa Dhaalu Atolls. The geographical isolation and lack of proper transport infrastructure are partly to blame.
While the government aims to establish 8,000 tourist beds in Haa Alif and Haa Dhaalu atolls, tourism minister Dr Abdulla Mausoom has earlier stated that the purpose of having an airport in each atoll will be achieved by having at least 8,000 beds in the atoll.
The project to develop Hanimaadhoo airport 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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A 2.46 km runway and a brand new terminal with the capacity to accommodate 1.3 million passengers annually will be built
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.
