Hanimaadhoo Airport: A big regional cooperation is being seen between India and Maldives. In fact, Hanimadhoo International Airport was inaugurated in Maldives this week. This project has been completed with the financial and technical assistance of India. This airport was inaugurated by Maldives President Mohammed Muizzu and India’s Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu did it jointly. In the meantime, let us know whether India will also get the fare for this international airport built with the help of India. Before this we will know what role India played in the construction of this airport.

India’s role in the construction of Hanimadhu International Airport

This new airport built in the northern part of Maldives was built in 2019 with a loan assistance of $ 800 million given by India’s EXIM Bank. The construction contract worth $136.6 million was given to India’s JMC Projects Limited. This company successfully completed this project.

Let us tell you that this airport has been designed to operate large commercial aircraft like Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. Its annual passenger capacity is 13 lakh passengers. Its runway is quite modern and the airport is also equipped with advanced terminal facilities. This project has been prepared under India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ and ‘Sagar’ or ‘Ocean Vision’ policies. The objective of these policies is to increase connectivity, maritime cooperation and regional development in the Indian Ocean region.

Will India get the rent for this airport?

India will not get any rent or revenue from this airport. This money was given as a loan, not as an ownership based investment. This means that India will not get ownership or rent of the airport. The Maldives government will repay the loan as per the terms agreed with EXIM Bank and the entire revenue of this airport will go directly to Maldives. India’s role in this entire project has been that of a development partner and not a profit seeking applicant.

Promotion of tourism and trade in Northern Maldives

After this airport, a big change will be seen in the economy of Northern Maldives. With the capacity to handle large commercial aircraft, this new facility will significantly increase foreign tourist arrivals, especially from India, Europe and the Middle East. Apart from this, the airport will also provide export opportunities for local industries.

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During the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maldives President Mohammad Mujju made a statement about Maldives’ relations with India. Addressing a joint press conference with PM Modi, Maldives President Mohammad Mujju said that India is a major source for the tourism sector of Maldives. Therefore, we have discussed the methods of more expansion of this important area.

President Muizu said, “To further strengthen the direct connectivity between India and Maldives, we have had important talks to increase cooperation and contact like starting direct flights.”

Discussion about increasing cooperation in the field of environment

He said, “Apart from this, we have also discussed about cooperation in the field of environment. In this we have also talked about opportunities to further increase technical cooperation and more in important areas like waste management, biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, water and hygiene.”

VIDEO | Addressing a joint presser along with PM Narendra Modi, The Maldives President Mohamed Muzzu (@Mmuizzu) Said, “India remains a key source market for Maldivian tourism. pic.twitter.com/5fqkrezohi

– Press Trust of India (@Pti_News) July 25, 2025

Happiness expressed on starting discussion on free trade agreement

During his third official visit to Maldives, PM Modi also announced to start a dialogue between India and Maldives regarding the free trade agreement. To this, President Mujju said, “I am happy to announce a conversation between India and Maldives on the free trade agreement/FTA. This historical initiative is an important step towards strengthening our economic partnership.”

Prime Minister Modi told Maldives the most trusted friend

At the same time, during the joint press conference, PM Modi has called Maldives the most Kariba neighbor and the most trusted friend. He said, “Maldives have a special place in India’s policy of ‘Nebarhood First’ and ‘Ocean Vision’. Whether it is time of epidemic or any kind of disaster, India helped Maldives without losing time, providing essential items.”

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