Over MVR 18 Million Spent on VIA’s New Terminal Opening, Gov’t Discloses
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu (M) and other officials attending the opening ceremony for the new terminal in Velana International Airport on July 26, 2025 | Photo: President’s Office
The government has disclosed that it spent over MVR 18.9 million on the opening ceremony of Velena International Airport’s (VIA) new terminal held on 26 July this year.
In its response to a request filed under the Right to Information Act (RTI), Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) confirmed an expenditure of MVR 18,892,042 on the ceremony. However, the company noted that this figure does not include amounts linked to confidential agreements with third parties involved in the event, leaving the total cost of the ceremony uncertain.
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Additionally, they provided only the total expenditure, despite MV+ requesting a breakdown of the allocations and their purposes.
The opening of the new airport terminal on Independence Day featured large-scale celebrations, including the country’s biggest drone show, a multi-directional fireworks display, and cultural exhibitions.
Construction of the USD 457 million terminal began in 2016, with the design reflecting Maldivian heritage and natural landscapes.
The facility, standing 12 metres tall, can handle up to 7 million passengers annually and includes modernised check-in, boarding, and security systems in line with global standards. Replacing the original 1981 terminal, the government celebrated this project as a significant step in advancing the Maldives’ position as a major tourism hub.
