A major boost to international travel and tourism infrastructure was celebrated as President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu officially inaugurated the new international terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) in a high-profile ceremony attended by government leaders, international partners, and diplomatic representatives.
Held under the night sky, the inauguration event featured a breathtaking drone performance, the largest of its kind ever held in the Maldives, alongside a dazzling fireworks display. These festivities marked a proud milestone in the Maldives’ aviation history, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to expanding its global connectivity and tourism infrastructure.
The President and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed were welcomed to the ceremony by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) Chairperson Ayesha Nurain Janah and Managing Director and CEO Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed. Following the formal inauguration, the President and First Lady toured the newly built terminal, which is set to significantly enhance the country’s air travel capacity and guest experience.
The new terminal, a modern replacement of the original facility that began operation in 1981, has been meticulously designed to reflect the natural charm and cultural richness of the Maldives. Drawing architectural inspiration from the country’s seascape and shoreline, the terminal integrates elements of hirigaa (coral limestone) carvings, a traditional art form that celebrates the Maldives’ deep-rooted Islamic heritage and historical identity.
With the capacity to handle 7 million passengers annually, the terminal includes:
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47 check-in counters
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6 self-service kiosks
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20 departure immigration counters
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6 boarding gates
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12 aerobridges
This expanded infrastructure is expected to ease passenger flow and improve operational efficiency, supporting the Maldives’ goal of enhancing its status as a top-tier tourist destination.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by a wide range of dignitaries, including the Vice President, the Speaker of Parliament, cabinet ministers, and senior officials. Notably, high-level representatives from key international funding institutions who played a critical role in the terminal’s development also attended the event. These include the Saudi Fund for Development, Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, and OPEC Fund for International Development. Their financial contributions and strategic partnerships have been vital in realizing this transformative project.
The new terminal stands as a symbol of national progress and the country’s sustained commitment to developing infrastructure that complements the evolving needs of its primary economic driver, tourism. In a country where the travel industry accounts for a significant portion of GDP and employment, investments of this nature are not only infrastructural achievements but also long-term commitments to economic resilience and international cooperation.
With this new facility, Velana International Airport is better positioned to serve as a modern gateway to the Maldives, offering an enhanced travel experience for millions of visitors while reflecting the nation’s cultural elegance and hospitality.
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