MACL plans seaplane operations at Hanimaadhoo Airport

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) is planning to construct a seaplane terminal at HDh. Hanimaadhoo Airport, set to reopen next year.

The announcement was made during a session of the State-Owned Enterprises Committee of Parliament on Tuesday, where MACL officials provided updates on the project.

Responding to questions raised by committee members, MACL Deputy Managing Director Mujthaba Latheef confirmed that preparations for the seaplane terminal are underway. He noted that the terminal will enhance connectivity to resorts and other properties within a 180-kilometre radius of the airport.

“We anticipate having seaplane operations at Hanimaadhoo Airport soon. The airport’s feasibility is supported by the availability of nearby accommodations, enabling passengers arriving on international flights to access resorts within the region,” said Mujthaba.

Although the seaplane terminal will not be operational upon the airport’s reopening, plans are in place to establish a smaller facility to cater to these operations. Mujthaba also indicated that some narrow-body flights currently landing at Velana International Airport will be redirected to Hanimaadhoo once the project is completed.

Hanimaadhoo Airport is being developed by Kalpataru Projects International, an Indian contractor, under a credit line provided by Indian Exim Bank. The project, which commenced in January 2023, involves constructing a 2,460-metre runway and a terminal capable of accommodating 1.3 million passengers annually. The airport will support Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft.

The development is scheduled to be completed by March 2025, positioning Hanimaadhoo Airport as a key hub for regional and international flights.