Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has officially launched the countdown to the opening of the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA), with the opening date set for 26 July.
The announcement was made by MACL CEO Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed during a ceremony held at the airport. The date coincides with the Maldives’ Independence Day.
At the event, Shareef noted the efforts made by MACL staff to prepare the new terminal and encouraged employees to approach the opening as a national responsibility. He expressed confidence in the workforce’s ability to support the upcoming operational transition.
The current terminal at VIA has the capacity to handle 1.5 million passengers annually. However, the Maldives recorded over 2 million tourist arrivals last year, placing increased pressure on airport facilities.
The new terminal, covering an area of 78,000 square metres, is designed to accommodate more than seven million passengers per year. It is being developed with updated infrastructure and facilities intended to address existing capacity constraints.
The terminal project is part of the broader expansion of Velana International Airport, aimed at meeting growing demand and improving the overall efficiency of airport operations.
