Air Arabia becomes first international carrier to operate from Maldives airport’s new terminal
Air Arabia has become the first international airline to begin operations from the newly opened international passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA), marking a significant milestone in the airport’s operational history. The inaugural flight was celebrated with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting on Wednesday, symbolising the official start of international passenger services from the new terminal. […]
Maldives’ main airport handles 4 million passengers in first half of 2025
Velana International Airport (VIA) recorded 4 million passengers in the first six months of 2025, according to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL). This represents a 4% increase compared to the same period in 2024. From January to June, VIA handled: 2.6 million passengers on international flights 579,079 passengers on domestic flights 859,797 passengers on seaplane […]
Maldives main airport’s new terminal serves first flight
A flight from Cochin landed at the newly opened international terminal of Velana International Airport (VIA) on Sunday, marking the first arrival at the new facility. The Airbus A330 operated as the maiden flight to use the terminal, according to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL). The aircraft was greeted with a water salute upon arrival. […]
Maldives’ main airport opens new international terminal
The new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) was officially opened on Saturday evening at a ceremony officiated by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The terminal was inaugurated nine years after the commencement of construction. According to government officials, the project is the largest infrastructure development undertaken in the Maldives to date. The national airline, Maldivian, […]
Fresh face for Velana International Airport: Inside new passenger terminal
The new international passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) is scheduled to open on Saturday night, marking a significant expansion of the airport’s infrastructure. According to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the terminal was developed at a cost of approximately MVR 7 billion. It is designed to accommodate the growing number of international travellers […]
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 […]
Maldives reports 90% completion of VIA terminal, outlines national aviation development
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced on Saturday that 90% of the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) has been completed. The update was shared during a press conference held at the President’s Office, where he presented details of ongoing government projects, including airport development initiatives across the Maldives. According to the President, the […]
World Bank projects 5.7% Maldives GDP growth in 2025, driven by new airport terminal
The World Bank has projected that the Maldives’ real GDP will grow by 5.7% in 2025, supported in large part by the anticipated completion of the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA). In its latest Maldives Development Update, the World Bank notes that medium-term economic growth is expected to strengthen slightly, with improved performance […]
Maldives to expedite main airport development: Finance Minister
Maldives has acknowledged delays in the Velana International Airport (VIA) development project but stated it is working to complete the project as soon as possible, according to Finance Minister Moosa Zameer. The statement was made during a signing ceremony held on Monday for a USD 17 million (MVR 261 million) loan agreement with the Saudi […]
Maldives signs additional $17 million loan agreement with Saudi Fund for main airport expansion
Maldives has signed an additional loan agreement worth USD 17 million (MVR 261.8 million) with the Saudi Fund for Development to support the ongoing construction of the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA). The agreement, equivalent to 63.7 million Saudi riyals, was signed at a ceremony held at the President’s Office on Monday. Minister […]
MACL aims to complete Velana International Airport’s new terminal by July
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) said on Sunday that the new terminal at Velana International Airport is expected to be completed by July. MACL provided an update on the terminal’s progress during a presentation at the annual general meeting of the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) at Kurumba Maldives. During the presentation, MACL Deputy […]
Maldives’ main airport to open new terminal before October
President Mohamed Muizzu announced Thursday that the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) will be opened before October. Delivering the presidential address at the opening of parliament, President Muizzu stated that the government is working to expand the Maldives’ air transport system to support tourism. He also confirmed that Hanimaadhoo International Airport and Addu […]
