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 […]
HIH brings Maldivian traditions to MACL team in pre-opening tribute
The team at Hulhule Island Hotel (HIH) paid a special visit to the new passenger terminal of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), bringing with them a thoughtfully curated array of traditional Maldivian cuisine as a gesture of appreciation for the dedicated team working towards the terminal’s imminent opening. The initiative, aptly named Dhekumaadhiun, was a […]
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 […]
Luxury jet arrivals soar by 8% as Maldives welcomes over 2 million tourists in 2024
Velana International Airport (VIA) is bustling with activity this holiday season as high-class tourist jets flood the runway, marking an 8% increase in arrivals compared to the previous year, the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) announced today. With the Maldives being a top destination for New Year and winter holidays, private jet arrivals are a […]
Abu Dhabi Fund lends $40 million loan for Maldives main airport
Abu Dhabi Fund for Development on Wednesday announced an additional loan of Dh147 million ($40 million) to support the completion of the Velana International Airport (VIA) project in the Maldives. This follows an earlier loan of Dh183.5 million ($50 million) provided in 2017 for the project’s initial phases, highlighting the airport’s vital role in driving […]
