The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has announced plans to introduce seaplane services at Hanimaadhoo International Airport, marking a significant step in diversifying its operations and boosting revenue potential. The initiative aims to establish the airport as a key aviation hub for the northern Maldives.

Speaking to the Parliament’s State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Committee, MACL Deputy Managing Director Mujthaba Latheef emphasized the importance of seaplane services for the airport's profitability. “We will establish a seaplane service very soon. The airport’s feasibility as an international hub significantly improves with such services,” he stated. Plans are also underway to construct a dedicated seaplane terminal to support these operations.

Efforts to integrate the Regional Airports Company into MACL are progressing, with a share exchange agreement involving the Privatisation and Corporatisation Board (PCB), Regional Airports, and MACL set to be signed this week. This transition is expected to streamline operations and enhance the efficiency of airport services.

Hanimaadhoo International Airport is undergoing a comprehensive USD 136.6 million development project aimed at transforming it into a major aviation hub. The new 2,465-metre runway, capable of accommodating aircraft carrying 250–300 passengers, was inaugurated in October 2024. A 1,200-metre section of the runway became operational earlier this year, replacing the older runway designed for smaller planes.

The development is set to conclude by February 2025, enabling the airport to handle up to 1.3 million passengers annually. This upgrade is expected to drive economic growth and enhance tourism in the northern Maldives, particularly in the Greater Thiladhunmathi region.

Hanimaadhoo International Airport, one of the largest regional investments in the Maldives, is poised to become a vital hub for both international and domestic aviation. The addition of seaplane services will further strengthen connectivity, open new economic opportunities, and support the development of northern atolls, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of regional progress.