MACL Coordinates with Stakeholders to Streamline Operations for Upcoming Peak Season

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has convened a high-level coordination meeting with key government stakeholders to review readiness and operational procedures at Velana International Airport (VIA) ahead of the forthcoming peak travel period.

According to MACL, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed attended the discussions alongside the airport operator’s frontline operational teams. The session established a platform for airport authorities and state agencies to review critical operational adjustments designed to manage the anticipated increase in passenger traffic and aircraft movements smoothly.

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MACL stated that officials evaluated operational updates across core airport functions, with a particular focus on resource deployment, passenger processing efficiency, and service standards. Participants emphasised the necessity of close collaboration between MACL and external border agencies to maintain efficient terminal flows and minimise bottlenecks during peak arrival and departure banks.

As a major component of this preparation, MACL has shifted check-in operations for 10 international airlines to Terminal 2. The arrangement, introduced to manage tourist arrivals during the winter holiday season, distributes passenger volumes across both terminal facilities.

Under this plan, departing passengers on Neos, Aeroflot, US-Bangla Airlines, Centrum Air, Azur Air, S7 Airlines, Shirak Avia, Kuwait Airways, GullivAir, and French Bee must complete check-in procedures at Terminal 2. The dual-terminal arrangement will remain in effect throughout the winter travel period to alleviate congestion in the primary departure concourses, increase counter capacity, and accelerate passenger clearance during peak operating windows.

Terminal 2—originally the airport’s primary international facility before its extensive refurbishment and reopening—houses 27 dedicated check-in counters, modernised baggage handling infrastructure, dining outlets, prayer rooms, and a dedicated play area.

Airport authorities continue to advise travellers booked with the 10 affected carriers to proceed directly to Terminal 2 and ensure sufficient time for security screening and border clearance. The combined initiatives form part of MACL’s wider strategy to align ground handlers, security personnel, customs, and immigration authorities ahead of the country’s busiest travel period.