The Minister of Tourism, Ibrahim Faisal, has confirmed that the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) will be inaugurated by December this year, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing modernisation of the Maldives’ primary gateway. The announcement was made in his message for World Tourism Day, underscoring the terminal’s importance to the country’s thriving tourism industry.
In his address, Minister Faisal emphasised that the new passenger terminal is a critical component of the broader airport modernisation project, which aims to elevate the Maldives’ capacity to welcome international visitors. Operations at the new terminal are expected to begin in December, with the airport as a whole set to be fully functional by the first or second quarter of next year.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the terminal’s opening, Minister Faisal stressed the need for the Maldives to attract more airlines to operate flights to the country, noting that the government plans to collaborate with the tourism sector on targeted marketing campaigns. He remarked that the terminal’s inauguration offers a prime opportunity to intensify marketing efforts, increase occupancy rates, and enhance tourist spending. Currently, the tourism sector generates approximately USD 4.5 billion for the state, with the government setting a target of USD 6 billion by 2027.
The newly constructed 78,000-square-metre terminal, designed to accommodate up to 7 million passengers annually, will significantly boost VIA’s capacity compared to the existing terminal, which handles around 1.5 million passengers each year. The new terminal is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including aero boarding bridges, advanced baggage handling systems, and extensive space for retail, food and beverage outlets, lounges, and other services—addressing the limitations of the current terminal.
Final preparations are underway as the Maldives positions itself to strengthen its tourism infrastructure, ensuring the new terminal is ready to welcome passengers by the end of the year.
