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MoU signed for Hanimaadhoo airport
5 November 2009

Ahmed Naish

The government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an Indian company today to conduct a feasibility study for an
international airport in Hanimaadhoo in the Upper North Province.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Civil Aviation Minister Mahmoud Razi said GMR Infrastructure Global Limited will submit a proposal on development opportunities for the region following the feasibility study.

“Because of the goals of the government and the genuine aspirations of the people of the north for integrated development, GMR and the government did feel that it was important to look at this from a broader perspective,” he said.

“Today we’re laying the legal basis for GMR to review this process, to conduct the necessary studies, to see how and what needs to be done in order to ensure that this whole project becomes a success.”

The study will involve exploring the possibility of a transhipment port and opening up tourism in the region to create jobs.

Razi, who is also chairman of the privatisation committee, said the process will take three to six months and the government would provide all necessary assistance.

GMR was chosen from shortlisted companies that expressed interest for a request for proposals placed by the government.

In his remarks, President Mohamed Nasheed said GMR was a “solid and reputable group”, which was in the process of constructing airports in New Delhi and Istanbul, Turkey and there was “no one better” to undertake the Hanimaadhoo project.

“They have completed the Hyderabad airport. I have not seen a better airport,” he said. “I got the opportunity, along with Mahmoud Razi, to see all the places of the airport.”

For an international airport to be economically viable, he continued, the government had to ensure that at least half a million passengers will use it.

To develop the northern region, the government estimated that about 10,000 beds in tourist resorts were needed along with a city with a population of 50,000.

The president said the government had an overall development plan for the Upper North Province. “The government is now talking with GMR to find ways to add at least 7,000 beds in the region.”

India had the highest number of rich people in the world, said Nasheed, and the government hoped to draw them to the Maldives for their holidays.

The president concluded his remarks by saying the airport project was an opportunity to develop the northern region of the country as much as the middle region of the country.

Economic Development Minister Mohamed Rasheed, who signed on behalf of the government, said the MoU would enable the government to open up the northern region as “a gateway to the rest of the world”.

“We are determined to see that all the development aspects that we bring to the country are equitably distributed through the archipelago,” he said.

P. Sripathy, CEO of Hyderabad International Airport, who signed on behalf of GMR, said the company was encouraged by the fast pace of the process as well as the leadership and commitment of the government.

“Going forward, we will put in enough resources to make sure this project becomes a reality and fulfills the aspirations of your government,” he said.
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