A major milestone is approaching at Velana International Airport (VIA), as the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) intensifies final preparations for the launch of its new passenger terminal on 26 July 2025. In a strategic move to improve service quality and operational efficiency, MACL has initiated a robust training programme for 300 employees, aligning with the nation’s broader efforts to elevate the Maldives’ status as a world-class travel destination.
The training, which commenced in June, is being carried out in two phases and is tailored to instill a strong culture of service rooted in “smiles, kindness, and Maldivian hospitality.” More than 150 staff, including newly hired personnel and those transitioning from the existing terminal, are scheduled to complete the first phase of the programme by 9 July. The sessions are led by renowned Maldivian motivational speaker and coach Masood Ali, who specializes in customer service excellence. His guidance is aimed at equipping frontline staff with the communication skills and mindset required to deliver a memorable passenger experience.
Ali Mushtaq, Deputy Chief Officer of Passenger Service at MACL, underscored the initiative as part of the company’s broader strategy to provide exceptional customer service across all airport touchpoints. “The readiness of our team to meet international service standards is central to our operations. We are committed to ensuring that our staff are not only well-trained but embody the values of sincerity and warmth that define our national identity,” said Mushtaq.
Echoing this sentiment, Misbah Ahmed, General Manager of Learning and Development, noted that the training programme has been purposefully designed to reflect the Maldivian way of welcoming visitors. “We are preparing our people to operate in a terminal that is not only state-of-the-art but also a showcase of who we are as a nation,” he said. He described the upcoming terminal as a spacious and fully equipped facility, purpose-built to cater to the needs of growing passenger traffic while offering a premium travel experience.
The new terminal, scheduled to open in conjunction with Maldives Independence Day celebrations, forms a central part of the government’s investment in national infrastructure to support tourism growth. It is among the largest and most ambitious development projects currently underway in the Maldives. The terminal is designed to significantly expand the airport’s capacity, enhance passenger flow, and elevate operational efficiency, key priorities for a country whose economy is heavily dependent on tourism.
As part of the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) programme, MACL has also carried out a series of familiarisation tours for key government stakeholders, partners, and airline operators. These visits aim to ensure that all parties are well-versed in the layout, procedures, and security protocols of the new facility. Among those who toured the terminal were officials from the Maldives Police Service, Maldives Customs Service, the Health Protection Agency (HPA), and the Aviation Security Command (AVSECOM). These agencies reviewed passenger flow pathways and coordinated service planning to ensure full operational readiness at launch.
Additionally, the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) board, including CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shiuree, joined a recent familiarisation tour. Their participation highlighted the critical role of the new terminal in shaping the country’s tourism brand and delivering a seamless entry experience for international travelers.
In parallel, MACL also hosted familiarisation sessions for airline operators, reinforcing collaborative efforts between airport authorities and the aviation industry to guarantee a smooth operational transition. These sessions are essential to align service expectations and ensure that the infrastructure and support systems are in place for the successful integration of airline operations into the new terminal.
The Government of Maldives has placed high priority on improving airport infrastructure to meet the growing demands of the tourism sector. The expansion of Velana International Airport is a key part of this national agenda, envisioned to strengthen the Maldives’ position as a premium destination for global travelers. The project represents a critical step in future-proofing the country’s aviation sector while reflecting a long-term vision for sustainable economic development.
With comprehensive staff training underway and operational preparations nearing completion, the opening of the new passenger terminal at VIA is expected to offer an enhanced travel experience that blends modern efficiency with the warmth of Maldivian hospitality, a defining feature that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.
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