Velana International Airport Conducts Successful Trial Run for New Terminal 
Trial run underway at VIA’s new international terminal ahead of official opening. | Photo: MACL
As part of the final preparations for the opening of Velana International Airport’s (VIA) new passenger terminal, the Maldives’ national airline, Maldivian, has carried out a successful trial of its check-in systems.
The exercise was conducted to evaluate the functionality of services, equipment, and systems within the new terminal, while also providing operational training to the personnel who will manage day-to-day activities. This initiative forms part of the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) programme, which ensures a smooth transition to the new terminal and prepares all relevant teams for the upcoming changes.
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MACL staff participated in the trial as test passengers, confirming the full operability of Maldivian’s check-in and boarding pass systems. Key IT infrastructure and support systems were also tested to validate the terminal’s readiness for live operations.
MACL’s CEO and Managing Director, Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, oversaw the trial and took part in the activity, becoming the first person to check in at the new terminal during the simulation. He was joined by Deputy Managing Director Mohamed Lam’aan, senior official Mujtaba Lateef, and other MACL executives.
Speaking after the trial, CEO Shareef expressed confidence in the progress, describing it as a pivotal moment in the airport’s development. “This is a proud milestone. The systems are fully operational, and we are ready to move forward. The next step is to begin receiving aircraft and formally commence services. Our team is motivated and committed, fuelled by a deep sense of national pride,” he stated.
The opening of the new terminal on 26 July is being timed to coincide with the Independence Day of the Maldives. The first services from the terminal will be dedicated to Maldivian’s international flights, with other international airlines set to transition to the facility ahead of the upcoming tourism season.
Designed to meet the growing demands of global travel and tourism, the upgraded terminal will expand the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity from 1.5 million to an impressive 7 million.
