MACL Plans Spectacular Fireworks and Drone Show to Mark Opening of VIA’s New Terminal

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has confirmed plans for a spectacular fireworks display to surprise the nation during the inauguration of the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA).

The official opening is scheduled for Saturday, 26 July, coinciding with the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day. In celebration, MACL also plans to stage a drone show alongside the fireworks. The company has said it intends to invite all former presidents of the Maldives to the ceremony.

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In preparation for the terminal’s opening, MACL completed the water supply connection last month. On 14 April, the Maldives government signed with the Saudi Fund for an additional loan of USD 17 million (MVR 261.8 million) to help complete the terminal. This follows an earlier loan of USD 200 million provided by the Saudi Fund.

Several countries and financial institutions have contributed to the project. These include USD 90 million from the Abu Dhabi Fund, USD 50 million from the OPEC Fund, USD 50 million from the Kuwait Fund, and USD 373.9 million from the China Exim Bank.

The Saudi Binladin Group has overseen the construction of the new terminal since being awarded the contract in 2016.