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 […]
Velana International Airport’s new terminal to boost tourism, set to open next year
The new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) is expected to be operational next year, according to Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer. Speaking at a panel discussion during the GM Forum organised by Hotelier Maldives at Crossroads, Minister Zameer emphasised the critical role that airport infrastructure plays in the development of the Maldives’ tourism industry. He […]
MACL’s Mohamed Mihad to present on airport developments at Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024
Mohamed Mihad, Chief Commercial Officer at Maldives Airport Company Limited (MACL), will deliver a presentation at the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024. The GM Forum, the largest gathering of hospitality professionals in Maldives, will take place on September 19 at CROSSROADS Maldives. Mihad’s presentation, titled ‘Velana International Airport (VIA) and Tourism Development,’ will focus on […]
Maldives tightens 100ml liquid rule on domestic flights
Liquids can be carried in handbags on domestic flights in containers of not more than 100 millilitres, effective from Sunday, the Directorate of Aviation Security Administration (DASA) has said. As stipulated in the 5th edition of the National Civil Aviation Security Programme, there is no distinction between the measurements of prohibited items to be carried […]
New cargo terminal at Velana International Airport opens
President Mohamed Muizzu officially inaugurated the new cargo terminal at the Velana International Airport on Monday. Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef and senior government officials also attended the opening ceremony of the new cargo terminal held at Velana International Airport. Following the inauguration of the new terminal, the President carried out inspections. The President recently […]
Maldives’ main airport sets new air traffic movement record
Velana International Airport (VIA) achieved a new milestone in air traffic movement, with a record-breaking 925 movements recorded on Saturday, as reported by the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL). This surpasses the previous highest daily air traffic movement of 861, marking a seven percent increase. On this noteworthy day, VIA saw a total of 104 […]