The Indian government has directed the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to study a request from Maldives for assistance in managing the newly upgraded Hanimaadhoo International Airport. The request was made on November 9, 2025, by Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu to India’s Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu during the airport's inauguration. A senior Ministry official told The Hindu that AAI is to consider “engaging Indian companies for the management of the airport.” Hanimaadhoo Airport has been operational since 1986. Its recent redevelopment cost $136.6 million and was awarded to Indian firm JMC Projects. Upgrades include a new 2,465-metre runway capable of handling Airbus A320 aircraft and a passenger terminal designed for 1.3 million passengers annually. The redevelopment was supported by an $800 million line of credit from India’s EXIM Bank. India’s role in the project contrasts with a past dispute. In 2012, Maldives ended a $511 million deal with Indian group GMR to develop Male International Airport. The contract was cancelled abruptly and GMR’s staff were asked to leave Maldives. Later, Chinese construction firm Beijing Urban Construction Group received the contract for Male airport’s works. In 2016, an arbitration tribunal awarded GMR $270 million in compensation for wrongful termination. Currently, AAI owns 113 airports in India and manages 26 more under state governments. Private firms like GMR, GVK, and Adani Groups operate 13 of these airports. The Maldives’ recent request signals a renewed look at partnership with Indian airport companies, aiming to boost economic growth and connectivity in northern Maldives.