Maldives prepares for new aviation era with July 26 airport terminal opening

A countdown to the inauguration of the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport was launched by Maldives Airports Company Ltd (MACL) Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Ibrahim Mohamed Shareef. The official opening is scheduled for 26 July 2025, coinciding with the nation’s Independence Day.

The event marks a significant milestone in the country’s economic and tourism development. Shareef stated that the new terminal signifies the commencement of a new chapter for the Maldives’ tourism and economic sectors.

Velana International Airport, the primary gateway to the Maldives, has been undergoing a substantial development project to address the increasing volume of visitors. The current international terminal, originally designed for a capacity of 1.5 million passengers annually, now handles a flow of passengers that surpasses this limit.

The new terminal building is part of a wider airport expansion plan. This project has included the construction of a new runway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft, which was officially inaugurated in October 2022. Further developments include a new seaplane terminal, a fuel farm, and a cargo terminal complex. The financing for the expansion has been supported by various international partners.

The forthcoming terminal, with a footprint of 78,000 square metres, is designed to process up to 7 million passengers each year. The facility will introduce aerobridges, allowing direct and sheltered access to aircraft. An advanced baggage handling system is also a component of the new infrastructure. The terminal will house 38 immigration counters and 40 departure gates.

The opening on 26 July will be a phased process. National carrier Maldivian is expected to be the first airline to operate from the new facility. A gradual transition of other international airlines is planned to follow, with the aim of all carriers operating from the new terminal by September 2025. Seaplane check-in procedures will continue at the existing terminal until the end of September 2025.

The development of the airport is intended to support the continued growth of the Maldivian tourism industry and solidify the nation’s position as a key aviation hub in the Indian Ocean. The increased capacity and enhanced facilities are expected to improve the passenger experience and operational efficiency at the airport.