The long-anticipated international passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) is set to open on July 26, with operations commencing first with national carrier Maldivian, according to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).
MACL’s Managing Director and CEO, Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, confirmed the plan during a media networking event held on Sunday evening, where he outlined the phased rollout strategy recommended by Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) consultants. The gradual transition is intended to minimise disruptions as services move from the existing terminal to the state-of-the-art new facility.
Following the initial launch with Maldivian, other narrow-body and wide-body international flights will progressively shift operations to the new terminal. Full operational capacity is expected to be reached before the start of the winter tourism season, the Maldives’ busiest period for international arrivals.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has placed high priority on the terminal’s timely completion, recognising the severe limitations of the existing VIA infrastructure, which dates back to 1978. The President has been closely involved in pushing forward the project since taking office.
“The new terminal project had been in limbo for years,” Shareef noted. “When the current administration assumed office, only 54 percent of the construction was complete after nearly a decade. Since then, we’ve fast-tracked development to meet the country’s urgent infrastructure needs.”
Once fully operational, the terminal will significantly expand passenger handling capacity to 7.5 million annually. The new facility will be equipped with cutting-edge aviation infrastructure, including airbridges, self-service check-in kiosks, a modern baggage handling system, and a visual docking guidance system to streamline ground operations.
The expansion of VIA is a key part of the government’s broader strategy to support economic growth, boost tourism, and position the Maldives as a premier international travel hub in the region.
