The government has indicated that all international airlines operating to the Maldives will move to the new terminal at Velana International Airport before the end of the year. Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim, speaking to state media on the administration’s two year mark, said the terminal has been gradually taking on international flights since it became operational in July last year.
Germany’s Condor Airlines became the latest carrier to shift, beginning operations from the new terminal on Thursday. The airline has maintained flights to the Maldives since 1981, marking a long standing connection that now transitions into the upgraded facility.
The new terminal was inaugurated on 26 July 2024, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of Maldives’ independence. Designed to accommodate 7.5 million passengers annually, the project cost is estimated at around MVR 6 billion. While the development began during former President Abdulla Yameen’s administration, most of the construction work progressed under the Maldivian Democratic Party government. The current administration completed and opened a section of the terminal after significant finishing work.
Official figures show that the inauguration ceremony, which included a drone show and a record breaking air show, cost more than MVR 18 million.
The transition of all international airlines to the new terminal is expected to redefine passenger flow at the country’s main gateway, while authorities continue efforts to consolidate operations within the upgraded facility.
