The national airline Maldivian officially inaugurated its newly modernised seaplane terminal yesterday.
Designed to enhance the tourist experience, the upgraded terminal combines top-tier amenities with décor that highlights the country’s rich culture and natural beauty.
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Among the terminal’s upgraded facilities are the signature “Huvandhumaa” lounge, two VIP suites on the upper floor, a dedicated play area for children, and a retail kiosk offering Maldivian-branded souvenirs and snacks. The terminal can accommodate up to 90 guests indoors and 40 in its outdoor seating area.
The facility also includes a scenic viewing deck overlooking the waterway and a dedicated garden, a feature Maldivian highlights as unique among local seaplane terminals.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony of the upgraded Maldivian Seaplane Terminal, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Ameen, said that positive results are emerging from the operational changes brought to the national airline Maldivian by the current administration.
The Minister noted that the new seaplane terminal meets industry standards, highlighting that national carrier Maldivian was once a model state enterprise in generating profit. However, he pointed out that poor management between 2018 and 2023 caused the airline’s financial condition to decline sharply, leaving it heavily in debt.
“Entire operations came to a standstill, service contracts being handled here were lost, and the company fell into a very weak state,” said Minister Ameen. “Following operational and management changes made after 2023, looking back over the past year, a company burdened with a massive five-year debt has successfully been turned around.”
Emphasising that Maldivian remains a source of national pride, the Minister stated that the government’s target is to further strengthen the company. He noted that over the past three years, work has been underway to transition the airline’s seaplane operations to a new service model.
He added that priority is being given to securing essential infrastructure and capital for the airline while improving the work environment for its staff. Furthermore, providing essential workplace facilities and services to employees remains a key government objective.
Maldivian Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas stated that the airline’s seaplane operations have transported over 1.2 million passengers to date.
Noting that the launch of Maldivian’s seaplane service in April 2014 marked a new chapter in the company’s history, Iyas stated that the service laid a crucial foundation for connecting Velana International Airport, resorts, and remote islands across a unified national network.
Iyas noted that Maldivian officially opened its terminal at Velana International Airport and began services in 2015. He highlighted that while seaplane operations initially launched with just two aircraft, the service has since evolved through strong partnerships with key tourism stakeholders, supported by experienced staff and specialised facilities.
Today, Maldivian operates a fleet of 11 Twin Otter aircraft, having transported over 1.2 million passengers in its seaplane operations to date.
He mentioned that the terminal’s operational space has doubled from its previous 10,000 square feet. Furthermore, to expand its seaplane fleet, the airline ordered two state-of-the-art Twin Otter Classic 300G aircraft in August this year, with delivery and operational integration scheduled for next year.
Environmental sustainability was also prioritised during the development, with a plastic bottle recycling system installed to prevent marine pollution.
Passenger transport at the terminal utilises electric vehicles. To complement the upgraded infrastructure, Maldivian has introduced new staff training guidelines to elevate service quality and has opened a dedicated employee canteen.
