Velana International Airport (VIA) is preparing to inaugurate its state-of-the-art new passenger terminal on 26 July 2025, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of Maldives’ independence. The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), which manages VIA, has announced that all former Presidents of the Republic of Maldives have been officially invited to attend the opening ceremony of this major infrastructure development.
The new terminal represents a substantial upgrade to the nation’s primary international gateway and reinforces the Maldives’ continued investment in tourism infrastructure. Originally launched in 1960 during the presidency of Ibrahim Nasir, VIA has undergone several development phases under successive governments, gradually transforming the airport into a modern hub that supports the country’s thriving tourism-driven economy. The addition of this new terminal is expected to significantly enhance capacity, service standards, and the overall passenger experience.
Construction on the new terminal commenced nine years ago but faced numerous delays. By the time the current administration assumed office, only 54 percent of the work had been completed. Key sections, including the interior finishing works, the commercial duty-free area, and even the main road access to the terminal, had yet to be contracted. The earlier progress had only covered basic structural work and the external facade.
Under the leadership of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the terminal project was identified as a strategic national priority, given the airport’s role as the front line of the Maldives’ tourism economy. Within just 18 months of his administration, the remaining scope was fast-tracked, coordinated, and completed, enabling the terminal to open in time for the national celebrations. The government’s clear vision, combined with effective project management by MACL, brought the project to full completion despite longstanding delays inherited from prior administrations.
The newly completed terminal is set to transform VIA into a modern aviation hub that matches global standards. It will improve the airport’s ability to accommodate the rising number of international travelers and offer a vastly enhanced transit and arrival experience. Facilities include expanded check-in areas, upgraded security and immigration processing zones, improved baggage handling systems, and a high-end commercial duty-free space for international retailers and brands. The terminal is designed with a strong focus on passenger comfort, operational efficiency, and aesthetic appeal.
This development comes at a time when the Maldives is intensifying its efforts to strengthen its position as a leading global destination. The Ministry of Tourism, together with the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) through the “Visit Maldives” campaign, continues to work on expanding market reach, elevating the Maldives’ brand image, and diversifying tourism offerings across key international markets. The enhanced capacity and service level of VIA will play a vital role in supporting these efforts by enabling smoother arrivals, quicker transfers, and a seamless connection between the Maldives and the rest of the world.
As international arrivals rebound and new markets emerge, the new terminal will serve as a critical piece of infrastructure to support sustained tourism growth and maintain the Maldives’ competitive edge in the global travel industry. With this development, the government also underscores its commitment to long-term economic sustainability by investing in high-impact national infrastructure projects that benefit not only tourism, but aviation, logistics, and trade sectors as well.
The opening of the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport marks a major step forward in modernizing the Maldives’ international air transport services and ensuring that the nation remains well-equipped to meet the growing demands of global tourism for years to come.
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