Hanimaadhoo Airport

Hanimaadhoo International Airport is not merely a transport hub, but the true northern gateway to the Maldives, offering travellers access to the pristine beauty of the Haa Alif and Haa Dhaalu atolls. Located on one of the archipelago's largest and most picturesque islands, this airport combines the cosiness of a local airfield with the ambitions of an important international hub. For many tourists, this is where their introduction to the authentic life of the islanders begins, or their journey to the luxurious, secluded resorts of the "deep north".

Airport Features and Advantages

Hanimaadhoo Airport is unique in its location: unlike the capital's hub which occupies a separate island, it is situated directly on the inhabited island of Hanimaadhoo. This gives tourists a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in local culture immediately after landing, without spending time on additional water transfers if their destination is a guesthouse on the same island.

A key advantage is its strategic role in the development of northern tourism. The airport receives direct flights from India (Trivandrum), making it the only international window to the world in the north of the country. Currently, a large-scale expansion project is underway, including a new runway and a modern terminal, which in the near future will allow it to receive larger airliners such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, bypassing the transfer in Male.

For guests of elite resorts such as JA Manafaru or Hideaway Beach Resort, the airport serves as a convenient transfer point: from here it is only 15–40 minutes by speedboat to the paradisiacal villas. The compactness of the terminal ensures no queues and the fastest possible passport control, allowing you to start your holiday almost immediately after disembarking.

Below you will find contact information for Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HAQ), which will help you plan your trip and contact airport representatives if necessary.

• Official Website: Current information on airport operations can be found on the website of the management company, Regional Airports Company Ltd: www.racl.aero.
• Inquiry Service Phone: For general questions, you can contact the number: +960 6520042.
• Airport Address: Hanimaadhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives.
• Email: For written inquiries, use the address: haq@racl.aero.
• Social Media: Follow airport news on the official RACL pages on Facebook and X (Twitter).
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to luggage, it is recommended to contact your airline's representative first. You can also clarify information by calling the main airport inquiry number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance or consultation, use the inquiry service phone: +960 6520042.

Getting to Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HAQ) is a fairly simple task, as the airport itself is located on the same island as the main settlement. Due to the compact size of the island, a trip from any point to the terminal takes just a few minutes. It is important to understand that in the Maldives, especially on local islands, the transport system differs significantly from the typical urban one.

Transfers and Taxis
The most common and convenient way to get to the airport is a pre-arranged transfer. Most hotels and guesthouses on Hanimaadhoo Island provide this service for their guests. Usually, you are met upon arrival and taken back for your flight. Local taxis also operate on the island. A car ride from any part of the village to the airport takes no more than 5–10 minutes. The cost of the trip is low, and in the case of a hotel transfer, it is often already included in the accommodation price.

Public Transport and Car Rental
There is no public transport in the classical sense on Hanimaadhoo Island — no buses or trains. There is simply no need for them. Car rental for tourists is also not practiced, as all distances are easily covered on foot, by bicycle, or by taxi. For movement between islands and atolls, speedboats and domestic flights are used, which deliver travellers to Hanimaadhoo Airport for further flights.

Parking at the Airport
The airport has a small parking area, however, it is used mainly by staff and local residents. For tourists arriving on the island, the issue of parking private transport is generally not relevant, as all movement logistics are handled by the host party (hotel or tour operator).

Hanimaadhoo Airport (HAQ) is a compact and modern air hub, the structure of which is intuitively understandable even for those visiting for the first time. The terminal complex consists of one terminal, which serves both domestic flights within the Maldives and a limited number of international charter and scheduled flights.

Thanks to its small size, the airport layout is extremely simple. Within the single building, the departure and arrival zones are clearly separated. Immediately after entering, you find yourself in the general hall where the check-in counters are located. The departure zone with a waiting lounge is located after passing passport control and security screening. The arrival hall is equipped with a baggage claim belt and a customs area. Since there is only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between terminals.

One of the main features of Hanimaadhoo Airport is the quick completion of all formalities. Flight check-in and pre-flight screening usually take a minimum amount of time due to the low passenger flow. Nevertheless, for international flights, it is recommended to arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — approximately 1 hour, to check in luggage and go through all procedures without rushing.

Navigating the terminal will not cause difficulties. There are clear signs in English everywhere, and staff are always ready to help and suggest directions. The compactness of the airport is its main advantage: all key zones, from check-in counters to boarding gates, are within a few minutes' walk of each other, creating a calm and comfortable atmosphere before the flight.

The history of Hanimaadhoo Airport (HAQ) is a vivid example of how a small airstrip can become an engine for the development of an entire region of the Maldives. The airport was founded and opened on 10 November 1986 as a domestic airfield. Its initial mission was to ensure reliable air communication between the remote northern atolls and the capital, Male, which significantly reduced travel time for local residents and contributed to infrastructure development.

A turning point in the airport's history was 2012, when it received international status. On 2 February 2012, the first international flight from the Indian city of Trivandrum landed here, marking a new era for the northern region. This event opened the Haa Alif and Haa Dhaalu atolls to direct international tourism, which served as a catalyst for the construction of new hotels and resorts and significantly revitalised the local economy.

In recent years, the airport has entered the phase of the largest reconstruction in its history. The modernisation project includes the construction of a new runway approximately 2.5 km long, capable of receiving larger aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. A modern passenger terminal, a new control tower, and other key facilities are also under construction. This transformation is aimed at increasing capacity and turning the airport into a fully-fledged northern air gateway for the country.

Interesting fact: unlike the country's main airport located on a separate island, Hanimaadhoo Airport is located on one of the largest inhabited islands of the Maldives. Its history is a journey from a modest airstrip serving domestic needs to a strategically important international hub that plays a key role in the policy of evenly distributing tourist flows and economic well-being throughout the archipelago.

Hanimaadhoo Airport (HAQ) is an important regional transport hub in the north of the Maldives, serving mainly domestic flights and some international charters. It is important to understand that this is a small airport, so the range of services here is quite basic and designed to meet the essential needs of passengers before departure.

In the terminal, you will find several small cafes where you can have a snack, drink coffee or soft drinks, as well as purchase light refreshments. The choice of dining establishments is limited. In addition, there are several shops selling souvenirs, local crafts, and necessities. The Duty Free zone, if present, is very compact. For financial transactions, an ATM is available and typically a currency exchange counter, however, it is recommended to have some local currency with you in advance.

Passengers are provided with access to Wi-Fi, but usage conditions (free or paid) should be checked on-site. There are power outlets in the waiting hall for charging electronic devices, although their number may be limited. There are generally no specialised premium lounges or VIP lounges at Hanimaadhoo Airport, as it is not designed for a large flow of transit passengers.

The airport is equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility, providing ramps and accessible toilets. To receive assistance, such as a wheelchair, it is recommended to contact your airline in advance. Families with children can use standard amenities, including a mother and child room. In case first aid is needed, a medical post operates within the airport territory.

There are no hotels on the airport territory itself. The nearest accommodation options are guesthouses and small hotels on Hanimaadhoo Island, which can be reached by taxi in a few minutes. There are no specialised business centres or conference halls in the terminal building.

Hanimaadhoo Airport (HAQ) is a compact regional airport, so the choice of establishments here corresponds to its size. Do not expect food courts like in major global hubs; however, there is everything necessary to have a snack before departure or drink coffee while waiting for a flight. The atmosphere is calmer and more local, adding a special charm to travelling in the Maldives.

The main dining options are concentrated in the main airport terminal, usually in the public area (landside), before security control. There is a small cafe here that serves both departing passengers and those meeting them. On the menu, you can find both familiar international snacks — sandwiches, pastries — and simple dishes that give an idea of the local cuisine.

If you want to try something authentic, look for snacks with tuna — the main ingredient of Maldivian cooking. This could be hedhikaa (local pastries) or sandwiches. regarding special dietary needs, it is worth noting that all food here is Halal by default. The selection of vegetarian dishes is usually limited to simple snacks, and finding vegan or gluten-free options may be difficult. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions are recommended to carry their own snacks.

Prices in the Hanimaadhoo Airport cafe are moderate by airport standards but may be higher than in ordinary establishments on the islands. Opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule. This place is suitable both for a quick snack, such as coffee with a bun, and for a more substantial wait — you can order a hot dish, such as rice with curry or noodles.

Travelling through the airport in Hanimaadhoo is your first step to exploring the northern atolls of the Maldives. To ensure everything goes smoothly, use our tips. This is a small regional airport, so everything happens more calmly here than in large international hubs. We recommend arriving approximately 1 hour before the departure of your domestic flight. This time will be sufficient to go through all procedures without rushing.

Registration and screening processes at Hanimaadhoo Airport usually proceed quickly. Nevertheless, always keep your passport and ticket ready. Check baggage allowances with your airline in advance — on domestic flights, especially on seaplanes, they may be stricter than on international ones. Online check-in, if available, will help save time.

The main advice when flying in the Maldives — try to get a window seat! Views of coral atolls scattered across the turquoise ocean are simply breathtaking. This is not just a flight, but a real aerial excursion. Regarding hand luggage, standard international rules apply: liquids in containers up to 100 ml and a total volume of not more than 1 litre, and no sharp objects. Always check current requirements on your carrier's website.

When passing through customs control, remember the strict rules of the Republic of Maldives. It is categorically prohibited to import alcohol, pork and pork products, as well as items contrary to Islamic norms into the country. When leaving the country, it is forbidden to export black coral, shells, and sand from beaches. Respect local laws to avoid trouble.

Long layovers in Hanimaadhoo are a rarity, as it is mostly a final destination. In case of a flight delay, be prepared for limited leisure opportunities in the airport. We recommend downloading films or taking a book with you in advance, as well as having a portable charger. Flight status information is provided by airline representatives.

To save money, book flight tickets in advance, especially during the high season. Prices for food and drinks at the airport can be high, so you can take a small snack with you. Adhering to baggage limits will also save you from unforeseen expenses for excess weight. Most importantly — relax and get in the mood for a holiday, because your paradise adventure is already beginning!