Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef has stated that the relocation of domestic flight operations to the newly upgraded Terminal 2 at Velana International Airport represents a meaningful improvement in service delivery and passenger experience, reflecting the Maldives’ continued commitment to strengthening national infrastructure and supporting economic growth. The Vice President made these remarks during a ceremony held this evening to officially commence domestic operations at the modernised terminal, marking a new chapter in the development of the country’s primary aviation gateway.
Speaking at the event, the Vice President noted that the transition to the upgraded domestic terminal follows closely on the recent opening of the new international terminal, demonstrating steady progress in enhancing airport capacity and operational efficiency. He highlighted that the completion of the domestic terminal upgrade brings immediate benefits to Maldivian citizens and visitors alike, while also contributing positively to the broader national economy by improving connectivity across the archipelago. Domestic aviation plays a vital role in linking communities and facilitating seamless travel between islands and resorts, making the enhancement of passenger facilities an important step toward strengthening the country’s tourism and transport sectors.
The Vice President observed that the former domestic terminal had long served as a critical gateway for both residents and tourists travelling within the Maldives, yet its limited space and aging infrastructure had created operational challenges and restricted the full potential of domestic aviation services. With the introduction of Terminal 2, passengers now benefit from a significantly more spacious and modern environment designed to accommodate growing travel demand while delivering improved comfort, efficiency, and service standards. The upgraded facility is expected to streamline passenger flow, reduce congestion, and provide a more welcoming arrival and departure experience aligned with the Maldives’ reputation as a world-class travel destination.
He further emphasised that the inauguration of Terminal 2 reflects the priority placed by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s Administration on addressing long-standing infrastructure needs through timely and practical solutions. According to the Vice President, the development aligns with the Administration’s broader economic vision and policy direction, which focuses on improving essential public infrastructure while supporting sustainable national growth. Enhancing airport facilities, he added, directly contributes to improving mobility for citizens and strengthening the operational backbone of the country’s tourism industry, which remains a key driver of economic activity.
The Vice President also commended the management and staff of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) for their dedicated efforts in completing the renovation works and managing the operational transition within a short period. He expressed confidence that the new terminal will significantly enhance passenger convenience and elevate the overall standard of domestic air travel in the Maldives. The commencement of operations at Terminal 2 is expected to support smoother travel experiences for passengers connecting to resorts and inhabited islands across the nation, reinforcing the Maldives’ position as a destination that continuously invests in quality infrastructure and service excellence for global travellers.
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