The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has announced that 85% of the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) is complete, with plans to open it by mid-2025.
During a parliamentary committee meeting yesterday, MACL Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef confirmed that there are no major obstacles to opening part of the terminal now. However, the Airline Operators Committee has recommended waiting until the entire terminal is ready for operations.
Shareef highlighted that while part of the terminal could open this year, discussions with stakeholders have shifted the focus to ensure a complete launch next year. He also noted that tourist arrivals are expected to rise as the winter season in Europe drives travel demand.
Earlier, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu expressed the government’s intent to open at least part of the new terminal before the end of 2024. He acknowledged concerns over the delayed timeline, stating it was challenging to accept a July 2025 completion when the current economic climate necessitates urgency.
Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal similarly announced on International Tourism Day that part of the terminal would become operational in December.
The new terminal, designed to handle 7.5 million passengers annually, is equipped with advanced features, including aero boarding bridges, a state-of-the-art baggage handling system, and self-service check-in services. This expansion aims to accommodate an estimated 8,000 passengers daily, bolstering the Maldives’ status as a premier travel destination.
During a parliamentary committee meeting yesterday, MACL Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef confirmed that there are no major obstacles to opening part of the terminal now. However, the Airline Operators Committee has recommended waiting until the entire terminal is ready for operations.
Shareef highlighted that while part of the terminal could open this year, discussions with stakeholders have shifted the focus to ensure a complete launch next year. He also noted that tourist arrivals are expected to rise as the winter season in Europe drives travel demand.
Earlier, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu expressed the government’s intent to open at least part of the new terminal before the end of 2024. He acknowledged concerns over the delayed timeline, stating it was challenging to accept a July 2025 completion when the current economic climate necessitates urgency.
Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal similarly announced on International Tourism Day that part of the terminal would become operational in December.
The new terminal, designed to handle 7.5 million passengers annually, is equipped with advanced features, including aero boarding bridges, a state-of-the-art baggage handling system, and self-service check-in services. This expansion aims to accommodate an estimated 8,000 passengers daily, bolstering the Maldives’ status as a premier travel destination.
