MACL To Open Temporary Parking Zone At Velana International Airport

The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has announced plans to establish a temporary parking area near the new international passenger terminal at Velana International Airport. 

The move comes after the previous parking zone was closed in July due to security concerns linked to the opening of the new terminal.

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The closure of the old parking facilities on 17 July, ahead of the terminal’s inauguration on 26 July, led to complaints from airport employees and visitors who rely on the airport daily. With parking remaining unavailable for nearly two months, concerns had been raised by staff, travellers and those accompanying passengers.

In a circular issued to staff on Thursday, MACL explained that it had assessed potential risks in using the area west of the new terminal as a parking space. However, acknowledging the disruption caused to customers, employees, and associated institutions, the company confirmed that a new temporary parking zone will be set up in front of the terminal.

The parking facility is expected to open next week and will operate under a specific set of rules. In addition, MACL stated that measures are being taken to ease congestion, including the installation of traffic lights on the link road to improve access to the eastern parking zone for vehicles arriving from Malé and Hulhumalé. The company also plans to increase the frequency of buses and ferries to the airport.

MACL has said it remains committed to addressing parking and transport issues as operations at the new terminal expand.