The long-awaited new international terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) was officially inaugurated on Saturday evening, marking a major milestone in the Maldives’ aviation infrastructure. The inauguration ceremony was attended by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, along with high-level dignitaries, cabinet members, and representatives from international funding partners.
The new terminal, now the largest aviation facility in the country, is designed to serve up to 7.5 million passengers annually. It’s an addition to the previous international terminal that had been in use since 1981 and incorporates a modern architectural style inspired by Maldivian seascapes and Islamic heritage, including motifs reminiscent of traditional hirigaa carvings and the structure of ancient mosques.
The facility includes 48 check-in counters, including one counter for over-sized baggages, six self-service kiosks, 20 departure immigration counters, 28 arrival immigration counters, 12 aerobridges, five baggage claim belts. The terminal also features four walkalators and 14 escalators for easier navigation, as well as designated zones for duty-free shopping and food outlets.
To celebrate the occasion, the inauguration featured the Maldives’ largest drone show to date, accompanied by a 10-minute fireworks display across 19 locations in the capital region.
The new terminal stands as a significant addition to the country’s primary gateway and is expected to improve the passenger experience while enhancing the Maldives’ capacity to handle growing tourist arrivals and international traffic.
