The newly inaugurated international passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) stands as a milestone in aviation infrastructure development, reflecting renewed energy, strategic leadership, and collaborative commitment under the administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The project, which had seen limited progress for nearly a decade, was brought to completion in just 18 months, transforming the airport into a modern international gateway capable of serving up to seven million passengers annually.
At the inauguration ceremony held on the evening of July 26, 2025, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of Maldivian independence, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) Managing Director and CEO Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed lauded the President’s leadership in overcoming formidable logistical and financial challenges. “When I assumed office in 2023, the new terminal was a mere shell, no electricity, no sewerage systems, and only 30 percent of the work completed in nine years,” Shareef stated. “President Muizzu had the skillset, the vision, and the quiet determination to transform this into reality within just 18 months.”
Shareef highlighted that MACL staff themselves constructed the 12-megawatt electricity grid required for the terminal, underscoring the local capacity and determination driving the project. Despite the global financial climate making it difficult to secure foreign funding, the government’s coordination and persistence brought international cooperation and internal resources together to complete the infrastructure.
“Everything changed under President Muizzu’s guidance,” Shareef added. “This architectural wonder was in limbo for a decade. The President recognized the immense economic potential and made it his mission to accelerate its completion for the benefit of the nation and its people.” He also paid tribute to the dedication of MACL staff, whose tireless efforts ensured the terminal was completed ahead of schedule.
The terminal is a strategic addition to Maldives’ aviation infrastructure, designed to handle increasing tourist arrivals and facilitate smooth international connectivity. With 47 check-in counters, 6 self-service kiosks, 20 departure immigration counters, 6 boarding gates, and 12 aerobridges, the facility is geared toward enhancing passenger experience while streamlining operations for airlines and airport authorities.
Government officials project that the upgraded terminal will not only improve airport service capacity but also boost the Maldives’ positioning as a regional transit hub in the Indian Ocean. The expanded infrastructure is expected to open doors for new airline partnerships, increase flight frequencies, and strengthen year-round connectivity to key markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
The architectural design of the new terminal pays homage to the Maldives’ natural beauty and cultural legacy. Inspired by the turquoise seascape and shoreline, the structure integrates design elements such as traditional hirigaa (limestone) carvings, reflecting the island nation’s Islamic heritage and rich history. This attention to cultural symbolism has positioned the terminal not just as a transportation facility, but as a national icon.
In his address at the ceremony, President Dr. Muizzu reaffirmed that the project’s completion reflects what can be achieved when national interest takes precedence over personal agendas. He urged citizens to remain united by shared values, language, faith, and history—and to work collectively for long-term prosperity. “To advance this nation, and to secure its future, we must speak with one voice,” the President said. “This is not just an achievement of one administration, but of the entire nation working together.”
President Muizzu also extended his appreciation to all stakeholders involved in the project’s development. He acknowledged the contributions of former Presidents Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih for their respective roles in initiating and advancing the terminal during their tenures. The President reserved special thanks for the Saudi Fund for Development, OPEC Fund for International Development, Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, and Abu Dhabi Fund for Development for their critical financial support. Their partnership, along with national funding allocations, played a key role in making the project a success.
The inauguration was attended by high-level officials including the Vice President, Speaker of Parliament, cabinet ministers, international dignitaries, and representatives from the contributing organisations. The event featured a dazzling fireworks display and the largest drone show ever held in the Maldives, a celebratory tribute to the country’s aviation advancement and the promise of enhanced international connectivity.
As the gateway to one of the world’s most sought-after tourist destinations, Velana International Airport’s new terminal is expected to redefine the travel experience in the Maldives. It also sends a strong message to international partners, investors, and travellers: that the Maldives is ready to meet the demands of the future with competence, ambition, and shared purpose.
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