Gov’t to Roll Out New VIA Terminal with Priority for National Carrier

The government has announced that the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) will initially be allocated to Maldivian’s international passengers.

The phased introduction aims to ensure a smooth transition to the new facility. The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has engaged Modalis Infrastructure Partners Inc. for consultation to ensure the new terminal meets international standards, prioritises safety and provides comprehensive services. The new terminal is scheduled to open on 26 July to coincide with Maldives Independence Day, with MACL having launched an official countdown to the opening.

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According to MACL, the international passenger terminal will be brought into full operation over a three-month period, following international best practices. Services will be gradually transferred under a specific schedule recommended by the consultant.

MACL’s Chief Executive Officer, Ibrahim Shareef, announced during a media event on 22 July that Maldivian will be the first airline to use the terminal for a period of two weeks. The Chief Commercial Officer, Mohamed Mihad, added that the terminal will then be opened to narrow-body flights operated by other airlines, based on the experience gained with Maldivian. Nine airlines have already been designated to operate narrow-body flights to the Maldives, with an approximate capacity of 200 passengers.

The second phase of operations will continue to accommodate narrow-body flights for around three months. Mihad noted that the capacity of the new terminal will be capped at 1,000 passengers for the initial three months to test operations, identify potential service gaps and implement any required adjustments. Following this testing phase, the terminal will be opened to airlines operating wide-body aircraft.

Shareef stated that the entire terminal is expected to be fully operational by the beginning of this year’s tourist season. By that time, the terminal’s food and beverage outlets, duty-free shops, and the complete commercial area will be fully developed. Some of these services, however, will be available during the first two phases of the opening.

The new passenger terminal will cover an area of 78,000 square metres and is designed to handle up to seven million passengers annually, a significant increase compared to the current terminal’s annual capacity of 1.5 million passengers. The facility will include 47 check-in counters with locally inspired designs, six self-service kiosks, and 24 counters dedicated for seaplane passengers.