Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has announced the integration of an advanced three-dimensional (3D) baggage screening system at the new passenger terminal of Velana International Airport (VIA). This will be the first time such cutting-edge screening technology is introduced in the Maldives, aligning VIA with international airports renowned for operational excellence, such as Singapore’s Changi Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia.
Designed to process up to 1,200 bags per hour or approximately 20 bags per minute, the newly introduced system is engineered to deliver faster, more secure, and more passenger-friendly service. It features a three-tier screening process, with 80 to 90 percent of operations fully automated. This technological advancement is expected to significantly reduce congestion and waiting times while enhancing passenger privacy and security.
Addressing Existing Operational Challenges
The current baggage screening process at VIA has long faced operational hurdles. Passengers are presently required to scan their luggage before reaching the check-in counters, often leading to lengthy queues outside the terminal and privacy concerns due to the need to open luggage in public areas. The existing one-tier manual screening process also results in inefficiencies and delays.
With the launch of the new terminal, these challenges are being comprehensively addressed. The new system eliminates the need for pre-check-in luggage screening, streamlining passenger flow and significantly improving overall terminal efficiency.
Three-Tier Screening Process for Enhanced Security
The upgraded screening system at VIA will consist of three distinct layers:
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Stage 1: Automated Screening
After check-in, luggage will first pass through four high-tech CTX 3D screening machines—marking their debut in the Maldives. These machines automatically assess baggage for prohibited or suspicious items. If the system flags any item, it proceeds to the next stage. -
Stage 2: Human Oversight
Here, flagged items are reviewed by officers from the Aviation Security Command (AVSECOM) and the Maldives Customs Service. This phase includes 18 AVSECOM screening tables and 22 for customs officers, who will monitor the scanned images in real-time to make informed decisions. Cleared bags return to the automated belt; otherwise, they move to the final stage. -
Stage 3: Final Inspection
Bags requiring further examination will be reviewed using Ayata-standard dual-view machines currently used at the existing terminal. This stage involves physical inspection, with luggage opened in the presence of the passenger if necessary. Items not permitted on flights will be removed before the bag is cleared for loading.
Streamlined Arrivals and Increased Capacity
The new terminal also enhances the passenger experience for arriving travelers. The existing terminal operates with only four luggage belts, often causing long delays and congestion when multiple flights land simultaneously. The new terminal features six high-capacity belts and high-speed scanning systems for inbound baggage, ensuring faster baggage claim times and a more efficient flow through the arrivals area.
Designed for Growth and Comfort
Spanning 72,000 square meters, the new VIA terminal is built to accommodate up to 7.5 million passengers annually. It includes 47 check-in counters adorned with Maldivian-inspired architectural designs, six self-service check-in kiosks, and 24 counters exclusively for seaplane passengers. The new layout promotes a spacious and efficient passenger journey, significantly easing congestion within the terminal building.
MACL confirmed that the check-in area has been reimagined to support high passenger throughput and faster service. With a modern layout and increased automation, travelers can expect a more seamless and comfortable airport experience.
Adhering to Global Aviation Standards
The development of the new terminal is being carried out in strict compliance with global aviation regulations. MACL is aligning its operations with the guidelines set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA). A dedicated Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) team is in place to ensure that all operational components, including security and customs protocols, meet the highest international standards. Oversight from regulatory bodies such as DASA, MCAA, and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) ensures rigorous compliance.
Strategic Timing and Future-Ready Infrastructure
The inauguration of the new terminal is strategically scheduled for 26 July, coinciding with the Maldives’ Independence Day. This timely opening underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s tourism infrastructure and enhancing the international travel experience.
For MACL, this advancement marks a pivotal enhancement of Velana International Airport’s capacity and competitiveness. As the primary gateway for international visitors to the Maldives, VIA now offers an airport experience that matches the world-class hospitality and beauty for which the island nation is renowned.
The new terminal is not only a technological upgrade—it is a reaffirmation of MACL’s long-term vision to transform Velana International Airport into a premier aviation hub in the Indian Ocean, supporting the Maldives’ growing tourism sector and ensuring that travelers begin and end their Maldivian journeys with convenience, security, and efficiency.
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