In a major step toward enhancing air travel infrastructure and improving the international arrival experience, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has completed a successful live simulation of aircraft turnaround procedures at the newly constructed international passenger terminal of Velana International Airport (VIA). The exercise marks the first operational test of Passenger Boarding Bridges (PBB) in any airport across the Maldives, symbolizing a substantial leap in the nation’s aviation service standards.
The trial involved Maldivian Airlines’ Airbus A330 and A320 aircraft and tested the newly installed Advanced Visual Docking Guidance System (A-VDGS) alongside the passenger boarding bridges. The simulation was conducted in real-time and covered comprehensive operational scenarios designed to assess passenger flow efficiency and turnaround timelines. Senior MACL officials, including CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed and Deputy Managing Directors Mohamed Lamaan and Mujthaba Latheef, oversaw the proceedings.
Deputy Managing Director Mujthaba Latheef emphasized the importance of the exercise, noting that this was the first instance of bridge-connected boarding and disembarkation in the country’s history. He highlighted that such upgrades would significantly raise service quality, streamline airport operations, and align VIA with international airport standards.
One of the key advancements showcased during the trial is the operational deployment of 12 passenger boarding bridges, which will considerably reduce passenger disembarkation time. The current 28 to 35-minute window required to offload passengers from aircraft is expected to drop to approximately eight minutes. The A-VDGS system also adds a layer of safety, particularly valuable during low-visibility conditions or adverse weather, ensuring precise aircraft positioning and minimizing the risk of on-ground incidents.
The new international terminal, covering an expansive 78,000 square metres, is designed to accommodate up to seven million passengers annually, a nearly fivefold increase from the current terminal’s capacity of 1.5 million. Featuring 47 locally inspired check-in counters, six automated self-service kiosks, and 24 dedicated counters for seaplane passengers, the facility blends cultural identity with modern design and functionality. According to MACL, the simulation also tested passenger flow management systems at check-in counters, further ensuring operational efficiency.
The terminal’s official opening is expected to coincide with this year’s Independence Day celebrations. It forms part of the government’s broader strategic efforts to boost tourism, improve connectivity, and establish the Maldives as a premier international transit destination in the Indian Ocean.
This latest development aligns with national initiatives led by the Ministry of Tourism, Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), and Visit Maldives to enhance the overall tourism experience from arrival to departure. By investing in state-of-the-art airport infrastructure, the government is strengthening its capacity to accommodate the growing number of international visitors while promoting seamless and safe travel experiences.
Velana International Airport continues to serve as the primary international gateway to the Maldives. With the addition of the new terminal and passenger-handling systems, MACL is committed to elevating the operational standards and supporting the nation’s long-term goal of sustainable tourism development. Ongoing training for ground staff and technical teams is a critical component of the final rollout, ensuring that the airport is fully prepared for commercial operations once the terminal opens to the public.
As the Maldives remains a top destination for luxury travel and leisure tourism, this infrastructural milestone serves to reinforce the country’s reputation as a world-class holiday destination, equipped to meet the expectations of discerning global travelers.
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