A new chapter in the Maldives’ aviation and tourism landscape is set to begin with the opening of the state-of-the-art international passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA), scheduled for inauguration on 26 July in conjunction with the country’s Independence Day celebrations. The upgraded terminal is designed to handle up to seven million passengers annually, significantly enhancing capacity and service quality at the nation’s primary international gateway.
This major development by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) marks a strategic upgrade in line with the Maldives’ position as a globally recognized luxury tourism destination. Despite tourists making up nearly 90% of the airport’s total passenger traffic, the current terminal has long lagged behind in meeting international standards expected by high-end travelers. The new terminal aims to bridge this gap by delivering premium services that align with the standards of the country’s world-renowned hospitality sector.
Speaking on the national broadcaster Television Maldives (TVM) during the “Heyyambo” program, MACL’s Managing Director, Mr. Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, emphasized that the new facility will reflect the operational and service benchmarks established by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). “We are working to ensure the new terminal ranks in the top tier of IATA standards,” Shareef said. “This includes reducing passenger waiting times, enhancing safety and security, and offering superior duty-free and lounge services. It’s imperative that the quality of service at our airport mirrors the luxury positioning of our tourism industry.”
The timing of the terminal’s completion is also strategic. According to Shareef, Velana International Airport currently experiences its highest air traffic between 6:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., when most international carriers schedule their arrivals and departures. However, due to space limitations in the existing terminal, the airport has been unable to accommodate additional flight operations during these high-demand hours. The new terminal will remove these constraints, enabling a greater number of airlines to secure desirable time slots and thereby increase seat capacity to the Maldives.
“Approximately 85 percent of all passengers arrive during peak hours,” noted Shareef. “Airlines are constantly requesting more slots during this window. The new terminal will enable us to facilitate more flights during peak periods and unlock new tourism growth opportunities. We are closely coordinating with tourism stakeholders to ensure a seamless integration of services.”
The terminal’s expanded capacity and modern infrastructure are also expected to support the Maldives’ ambitions to grow as a regional air travel hub. Government officials believe the upgraded terminal will not only attract broader airline partnerships and increased flight frequencies but also strengthen the Maldives’ competitiveness as a high-end tourist destination in South Asia.
As the Maldives continues to set benchmarks in luxury tourism, the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport is poised to deliver a travel experience that meets and exceeds the expectations of global travelers. This investment in aviation infrastructure underscores the country’s commitment to quality, connectivity, and continued growth in the international tourism sector.
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