MACL Gears Up for Opening of VIA New Terminal on Independence Day

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) is making final preparations for the opening of Velana International Airport’s (VIA) New Passenger Terminal. The facility is scheduled to commence operations on July 26, 2025, a date that coincides with the Maldives’ Independence Day.

The new terminal encompasses an area of 72,000 square meters and is designed with an annual capacity of 7.5 million passengers. This expansion aims to accommodate increased passenger traffic at the airport.

The terminal’s operational facilities are structured as follows:

• Check-In & Departures: The area includes 47 traditional check-in counters, 6 self-service kiosks, and 1 counter for oversized baggage. Additionally, 24 dedicated check-in counters have been provided for seaplane passengers.
• Immigration: Passenger processing at immigration features 20 departure immigration counters with provisions for 6 e-gates, and 28 arrival immigration counters supplemented by 7 e-gates.
• Boarding & Baggage: The terminal is equipped with 6 passenger boarding gates and 3 remote gates. For baggage retrieval, 5 baggage reclaim belts are installed.

The interior design of the new terminal incorporates elements reflecting the Maldivian environment. Terrazzo flooring is utilised, intended to evoke the colours of the sea. The ceiling design draws inspiration from ocean waves and the sky, while wall patterns are designed to reflect the natural landscape of the Maldives.

The development of this terminal has been supported by various international loans totalling USD 457,000,000.00. , as reported by the Ministry of Finance for the period from 2016 to 2025:

• Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development: USD 50,000,000.00 for the Expansion and Upgrading of Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, and USD 50,000,000.00 for the Second Loan for the Financing of Velana International Airport.
• Saudi Fund for Development: USD 100,000,000.00 for the Ibrahim Nasir Airport Upgrade Project, USD 100,000,000.00 for the Expansion of Velana International Airport Project (Additional Loan), and USD 17,000,000.00 for the Expansion of Velana International Airport Project (Additional Loan).
• Abu Dhabi Fund for Development: USD 50,000,000.00 for the Velana International Airport Project, and USD 40,000,000.00 for the Velana International Airport Project – Additional Loan.
• The OPEC Fund for International Development: USD 50,000,000.00 for the Development of the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport Project.

The upcoming opening marks a significant operational development for Velana International Airport.