The opening of the new international terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) has been postponed until mid-2025 at the recommendation of the Airline Operators Committee (AOC).
Speaking at a parliamentary committee meeting, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed stated that while part of the terminal could be operational this year if necessary, the AOC recommended delaying the opening to avoid potential disruptions caused by technical issues.
“Technically, part of the terminal is ready. Eighty-two per cent of the terminal is now complete, and work is progressing on schedule. However, the AOC advised that opening prematurely could lead to delays due to technical problems. Based on this recommendation, the opening has been rescheduled to June or July next year,” Shareef explained.
The AOC is a mandatory committee at every airport, as recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). It provides professional advice on airport operations and includes representatives from airlines operating in the Maldives.
Initially, the government planned to open part of the new terminal for this year’s tourism season, but it has now postponed the launch to ensure a smoother transition.
