Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on Thursday alleged that the government is planning to sell Hanimaadhoo International Airport to India’s Adani Group.
Yameen made the remarks during a public gathering at his People’s National Front (PNF) office, claiming that members of the Maldivian delegation met with the chairman of India’s Adani Group in Singapore during President Mohamed Muizzu’s recent state visit.
“It is reported that the Hanimaadhoo airport is being sold to the Adani Group,” Yameen said. “As far as I know, among the people who met this time, they met the chairman of the Adani Group in Singapore.”
The airport project, which is nearing completion, is being developed with financing from the Indian government through a line of credit from the India Exim Bank. The US$136.6 million expansion includes a new 2.46-kilometre runway capable of accommodating A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft, along with a passenger terminal designed to handle 1.3 million passengers annually.
Construction Minister Abdulla Muththalib earlier this week said the project is 88.7% complete and on track to finish by September. The runway construction has already been completed, while the air traffic control tower, hangar, and cargo building are 96% finished, according to the minister.
Yameen stressed that the airport is a vital asset for the people of the north of the Maldives, who hope it will spur regional development, attract investment, and improve connectivity across the country.
Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has since denied Yameen’s allegations in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “There is no truth whatsoever to the rumours that Hanimaadhoo Airport will be sold or leased to a foreign party, or that any meetings took place in Singapore about such a deal,” he wrote, without elaborating further.
President Muizzu concluded a four-day state visit to Singapore earlier this week, during which several agreements were signed, including deals on a residence-by-investment programme and a renewable energy project. However, there was no mention of any meetings with Adani Group officials.