India-Backed Hanimaadhoo Airport Nears Completion, Ministry Reports

MALE, Maldives— The Ministry of Infrastructure announced that 67.5 percent of the construction on Hanimaadhoo International Airport has been completed. The project, funded by an MVR 800 million credit line from the Indian government, is progressing steadily.

Infrastructure Minister Abdullah Mutalib, Transport Minister Mohammed Amin, and Indian Ambassador to the Maldives Munu Mahawar conducted an on-site inspection of the progress.

Awarded to India’s GMC in September, the airport expansion includes a 2.7-kilometer runway, a 1.3 million-passenger terminal, and a jet fuel storage facility.

According to the ministry, 97 percent of the 2,400-meter runway and apron is now finished, with the completed section already in use. The entire project is expected to be completed by November.

Mr. Mutalib, Mr. Amin, and Mr. Mahawar expressed satisfaction with the progress and affirmed their commitment to completing the project on schedule.