The Maldives has formally requested India's expertise to operate and manage its newly upgraded Hanimaadhoo International Airport. India's Ministry of Civil Aviation has tasked the Airports Authority of India (AAI) with assessing the feasibility of this proposal. India previously provided a significant line of credit and an Indian firm handled the airport's redevelopment. This request follows a past diplomatic incident involving Indian firm GMR's cancelled airport concession in the Maldives.