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 […]
Maldives main airport’s new terminal reaches 85%, opening set for July 2025
The new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) is 85% complete and scheduled to open by July 2025, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) said Tuesday. The update was provided by MACL Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed in response to a query by Gadhdhoo MP Mohamed Ali during a meeting of the State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Committee’s […]
Air Arabia begins daily Sharjah-Maldives flights
Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) operator, on Sunday began its non-stop flights between Sharjah and the Maldives. The new flights between Sharjah International Airport and Velana International Airport operate daily, providing travellers with even more convenient and affordable options to explore one of the most famous […]
MACL signs agreement with BUCG for Male-Funadhoo monorail project
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) on Monday signed an agreement with Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) to develop a monorail system connecting Malé and K. Funadhoo. The monorail will be a key component of the Special Economic and Financial Service Zone initiative. The project, first announced in May by Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed, will receive […]
Maldives’ main airport’s new terminal to open in December 2024
Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal confirmed on Friday that the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) will be inaugurated by December. The announcement was made in the minister’s World Tourism Day message, highlighting the terminal’s significance to the country’s tourism industry. Faisal emphasised that the new terminal is a central part of the main […]
