Velana International Airport (VIA) has entered the final stretch in preparing its new international passenger terminal for public operations, with the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) initiating a comprehensive series of operational readiness trials. These efforts represent an essential stage in ensuring the facility is fully equipped to accommodate international travelers during the upcoming tourism season and coincide with the 60th anniversary of Maldivian independence in July 2025.
The readiness programme falls under the global Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) framework, which is widely recognized in the aviation industry for preparing major airport infrastructure ahead of inauguration. The trials are designed to test all critical systems, evaluate passenger flow, and assess operational processes within the new terminal. A central element of the initiative is hands-on training for staff to manage the transition effectively, covering both technical procedures and customer service standards. The structured trial programme not only validates equipment functionality but also simulates real-world scenarios to familiarize personnel with operational conditions.
One of the key trials conducted recently involved systems used by Maldivian, the national airline and the first carrier scheduled to operate out of the new terminal. During this session, MACL teams carried out detailed assessments of the airline’s check-in and boarding pass printing systems, as well as supporting IT infrastructure. The exercise was led by MACL Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, who became the first individual to complete the check-in process at the terminal’s upgraded counters. He was joined by Deputy Managing Directors Mohamed Lam’aan and Mujthaba Latheef, alongside senior officials and staff.
Following the inspection, CEO Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed expressed confidence in the ongoing preparations and praised the collaborative effort of the MACL team. “Our team is working with exceptional dedication and national pride to ensure the successful opening of this terminal. The next phase will see the arrival of aircraft and full operational integration,” he stated.
In preparation for the upcoming opening, MACL has also initiated physical upgrades to supporting infrastructure. The Road and Airfield Maintenance Section under the Facilities Management Department began asphalt paving on the main entrance road leading to the airport. This work, scheduled for completion by 10 July 2025, is part of a broader set of logistical improvements aimed at ensuring smooth access for passengers and service vehicles once the new terminal becomes operational.
One of the most notable technological advancements introduced at the new terminal is the installation of passenger boarding bridges, marking a first for airports in the Maldives. These bridges underwent mock alignment and docking trials to verify operational precision and ease of integration into the boarding process.
As part of the ORAT programme, MACL has welcomed multiple local airline partners for familiarization walkthroughs of the terminal. Representatives from Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) and Manta Air were recently given guided tours, which included detailed briefings on passenger movement systems, terminal layout, and coordination points to support their eventual operations from the new facility. These sessions are designed to ensure seamless adaptation to the upgraded infrastructure by all partner airlines.
MACL also launched a symbolic initiative to commemorate the upcoming opening with the placement of a “Mural Wall” inside the VIA Waterfront Building. The wall serves as a collective reflection space where employees and stakeholders can share their messages and thoughts on this major milestone. CEO Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, along with Deputy Managing Directors and senior staff, were the first to contribute to the mural.
In parallel with terminal preparations, MACL’s Airport Emergency Services team has been actively engaged in supporting national response operations, including recent efforts alongside the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Fire and Rescue to manage the ENSIS warehouse fire in Hulhumale’. The MACL senior leadership, including the CEO, were on-site to provide operational oversight and assist with coordination.
The upcoming terminal is initially expected to serve international flights operated by Maldivian and will progressively expand its services to include other carriers. The launch is strategically aligned with the peak tourist season, enhancing the country’s airport infrastructure capacity at a crucial time for the hospitality industry. The opening of the new terminal will play a vital role in supporting the Maldives’ continued rise as one of the world’s leading travel destinations, offering upgraded facilities and improved passenger experiences for international visitors.
With the final stages now underway, MACL is positioning Velana International Airport to deliver a more efficient and world-class gateway to the Maldives just in time to celebrate a historic national anniversary and welcome the next chapter in the country’s tourism journey.
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