The government today denied reports in Indian media claiming that the Maldives has requested India to hand over management of HDh. Hanimaadoo International Airport, which was developed with an Indian loan and is currently operational, to an Indian company.

The Hindu, a prominent Indian newspaper, reported that during the Hanimadhoo Airport opening ceremony last November, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu made this request to India’s Civil Aviation Minister. The newspaper also cited an official stating that India’s Airports Authority is studying how to take over management.

However, Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen told some media outlets that this is false information and that Hanimadhoo or any other Maldivian airport will not be handed over to a foreign company. The Minister said the airport will be run by the government and is operating well.

This modern airport, developed under India’s $800 million credit line, was inaugurated with participation from President Muizzu and Indian Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu. The airport features a 2,465-meter runway and can serve 1.3 million passengers annually.