Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has introduced a dedicated Calm Room at Terminal 1 of Velana International Airport, reinforcing its commitment to providing a more inclusive and comfortable travel experience for passengers. Opened on Sunday, the new facility offers a sensory-friendly space designed to support travellers with non-visible disabilities, as well as others who may benefit from a quieter and more reassuring airport environment.
The Calm Room was inaugurated by Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, who described the initiative as a meaningful step in the airport’s ongoing efforts to strengthen inclusive passenger services. The opening reflects a growing emphasis on ensuring that aviation infrastructure is responsive not only to operational needs, but also to the diverse personal requirements of travellers passing through the Maldives’ main international gateway.
Developed under MACL’s Boli initiative, the Calm Room has been created to assist passengers who may experience sensory sensitivities, anxiety, autism, or other non-visible conditions. By offering a peaceful and carefully considered setting away from the usual activity of the terminal, the facility is expected to help reduce stress, improve comfort, and support a more positive journey experience from arrival to departure. In a fast-paced airport environment where noise, crowds, and constant movement can be overwhelming for some passengers, the availability of such a space represents an important addition to the airport’s customer care services.
The introduction of the facility also reflects broader international trends in airport accessibility, where passenger wellbeing is increasingly being recognised as a core component of service excellence. For the Maldives, whose tourism and connectivity depend heavily on the quality and efficiency of its air transport services, investments that improve the traveller experience contribute positively to the country’s image as a welcoming and globally connected destination. Enhancing accessibility for all passengers also supports the airport’s role as a modern transport hub capable of meeting the expectations of a diverse international audience.
MACL stated that the Calm Room forms part of its wider efforts to make airport services accessible and welcoming to all passengers, regardless of their individual needs. This approach highlights a service philosophy centred on dignity, comfort, and equal access, ensuring that passengers who require additional support are able to travel with greater confidence and ease. The initiative is expected to bring meaningful value not only to individuals directly using the facility, but also to accompanying family members and caregivers who often seek a more manageable airport experience.
The company also acknowledged the valuable contribution of Autism Care Maldives and Maldives Autism Association, both of which provided technical guidance and support during the development of the Calm Room. Their involvement has helped ensure that the facility responds in a practical and informed manner to the needs of the passengers it is intended to serve. The collaboration demonstrates the importance of partnership between public-facing institutions and specialist organisations in delivering services that are both inclusive and effective.
MACL has further announced plans to expand similar services to Terminal 2 and the airport’s seaplane terminal in the future, indicating that this initiative is part of a longer-term accessibility strategy rather than a standalone development. The planned expansion suggests a sustained commitment to embedding inclusive design and passenger-focused services across the wider airport network.
The opening of the Calm Room marks a positive advancement in the continued evolution of Velana International Airport’s service standards. As passenger expectations increasingly include accessibility, wellbeing, and thoughtful service design, the new facility reflects MACL’s dedication to creating an airport environment that is more supportive, considerate, and responsive to the needs of all travellers.
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