As the Maldives prepares to welcome more visitors than ever before, final preparations are underway for the opening of the state-of-the-art new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA), scheduled for 26 July 2025, coinciding with the country’s Independence Day. The project, spearheaded by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) under the direct leadership and vision of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, is set to redefine the nation’s primary gateway by aligning it with global airport standards and passenger experience benchmarks.
In a recent public update, MACL’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, confirmed that the company has engaged the services of Modalis Infrastructure Partners Inc., an internationally renowned aviation advisory firm, to ensure the new terminal adheres to world-class standards. With extensive experience working with leading international airports across multiple continents, Modalis brings critical insight into transport infrastructure development, customer experience strategies, and operational readiness.
“We are seeking the views and consultations of Modalis, an experienced company that has worked with major airports around the world, to ensure that the new terminal at Velana International Airport meets international standards, is safe and efficient,” said CEO Shareef.
The terminal’s development reflects a broader national commitment to strengthening the Maldives’ position as a premier luxury travel destination. CEO Shareef emphasized that the initiative is being carried out under the direct recommendation and guidance of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, whom he described as the driving force behind this transformative infrastructure project. He expressed deep appreciation for the President’s hands-on involvement and continued support, noting that the President’s vision is instrumental in positioning the Maldives at the forefront of aviation infrastructure in the region.
Set across 72,000 square meters, the new terminal is designed to handle 7.5 million passengers annually, more than double the current capacity of the existing terminal. This major expansion comes at a time when international arrivals continue to climb, with the Maldives welcoming over 1.8 million visitors in 2023 and targeting over 2 million in 2025. The new facility will not only help ease congestion but also support the country’s long-term tourism development goals and economic diversification efforts.
The terminal is equipped with 47 check-in counters incorporating traditional Maldivian design aesthetics, 6 self-service kiosks for faster processing, and 24 dedicated counters for seaplane passengers, reflecting the Maldives’ unique inter-island connectivity. The use of advanced technology and modern design throughout the terminal marks a significant upgrade over the current facility, while the interior and exterior incorporate local cultural elements to offer travelers an authentic Maldivian welcome from the moment they arrive.
MACL’s strategic direction in this project is aligned with the broader objectives of the current administration, which has placed infrastructure modernization at the core of national development. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has consistently prioritized enhancing connectivity and tourism capacity, and the new VIA terminal is among the flagship projects being fast-tracked under his leadership.
An official countdown to the opening has already begun, building anticipation among both domestic and international stakeholders. As the new terminal nears completion, it stands as a testament to what visionary leadership, expert collaboration, and strategic infrastructure planning can achieve, ensuring that Velana International Airport remains a leading hub in the Indian Ocean and a welcoming gateway to the Maldives for years to come.
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