Velana International Airport is preparing to open its highly anticipated new international passenger terminal on July 26, marking a major upgrade to the Maldives’ air travel infrastructure. Initially, the terminal will be exclusively used by passengers of Maldivian, the country’s national airline, as part of a phased roll-out designed to ensure smooth operations and high service standards.
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), which oversees airport operations, announced that the decision to begin with Maldivian’s international flights is part of a strategic approach to gradually integrate all carriers into the facility. The announcement was made during a special media event held on July 22, where MACL CEO Ibrahim Shareef highlighted the importance of a controlled and methodical transition.
The opening date has been deliberately aligned with the Maldives’ Independence Day to mark the occasion with national pride. In the lead-up to the inauguration, MACL launched an official countdown campaign, reflecting public interest in the long-awaited terminal upgrade.
To ensure the new terminal meets global standards, MACL has engaged Modalis Infrastructure Partners Inc., a reputed aviation consultancy firm. The firm will guide the operational rollout and advise on safety, efficiency, and passenger experience enhancements. Operations at the new terminal will follow a phased implementation plan over a three-month period, during which services will transition gradually based on consultant-recommended schedules.
In the first phase, Maldivian will operate international flights from the new terminal for two weeks. Following this initial period, other airlines operating narrow-body aircraft, typically accommodating around 200 passengers will also begin using the facility. Nine international airlines have already been scheduled to transition to the terminal during this phase, according to MACL Chief Commercial Officer Mohamed Mihad.
Mihad emphasized that passenger capacity at the terminal will be limited to 1,000 passengers during the initial three months. This measure is intended to test the operational systems in a controlled environment, allowing MACL and its consultants to identify potential service gaps and implement adjustments as needed. Following successful trials, the terminal will then begin accommodating wide-body aircraft, expanding its handling capabilities further.
The new terminal covers an area of 78,000 square metres, a vast expansion compared to the current facility and is expected to significantly increase VIA’s annual passenger handling capacity from 1.5 million to seven million. It features 47 check-in counters adorned with locally inspired Maldivian motifs, six self-service check-in kiosks, and 24 counters specifically designated for seaplane passengers, catering to both domestic and resort-bound travelers.
CEO Shareef noted that the terminal’s full-scale commercial area, including food and beverage outlets, duty-free shopping, and retail services — will be developed and fully operational by the beginning of the high tourism season later this year. However, he assured that select services from this commercial space will be accessible to travelers even during the early operational phases.
This development marks a major milestone in the Maldives’ ongoing commitment to enhancing its international connectivity and tourist experience. By expanding capacity and improving service quality, the new terminal supports the country’s long-term vision of becoming a premier global travel destination, while ensuring that its national carrier, Maldivian, plays a central role in the next chapter of the country’s aviation journey.
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