By The northern region of the Maldives marked a historic milestone on Sunday, November 9, 2025, with the official inauguration of the redeveloped Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HIA). This massive infrastructure project, funded by an Indian line of credit, is not just a new gateway but is hailed as an “economic beacon” set to fundamentally transform tourism and trade across the northern atolls.
The upgraded HIA now boasts a 2.7-kilometer runway, capable of accommodating larger, narrow-body international aircraft like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, an unprecedented facility for the region. The state-of-the-art terminal is designed to handle up to 1.3 million passengers annually, a monumental leap from its previous capacity.
A Direct Tourism Boost
The most immediate and significant impact will be on the tourism sector. Previously, international travelers wishing to visit the northern atolls were forced to travel through Malé’s Velana International Airport (VIA), often incurring high domestic airfare costs comparable to a week’s stay at a local guesthouse.
The new direct international connectivity will drastically cut travel time and costs, making the northern resorts and guesthouses—including those in Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani, and Noonu Atolls—more accessible and competitive. Officials project that the airport will facilitate the addition of approximately 4,000 new tourist beds in the surrounding region, unlocking immense potential for growth and diversification away from the Malé-centric tourism model.
Furthermore, the airport includes a dedicated cargo terminal, which will support local businesses and reduce import costs, strengthening the overall regional economy. As President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu noted at the ceremony, the airport is a “golden opportunity” for local entrepreneurs, driving job creation and foreign currency inflows for the entire nation. HIA is now firmly positioned as a critical hub for investment and a catalyst for development in the Upper North Maldives.