Velana International Airport (VIA) officially inaugurated its state-of-the-art international passenger terminal on Tuesday, with Air Arabia marking a significant milestone as the first international carrier to operate from the new facility. The 72,000 square metre Terminal 1 represents a major advancement in the Maldives’ aviation infrastructure, promising enhanced passenger experience and increased operational capacity.
Originally opened on Maldives’ Independence Day (26 July), the terminal initially served Maldivian’s international passengers. Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the airport’s operator, has outlined a carefully planned three-month transition process to ensure smooth implementation in line with international best practices.
The terminal’s sophisticated design combines cutting-edge functionality with local aesthetic sensibilities. Key infrastructure highlights include:
• 12 passenger boarding bridges
• 47 traditional check-in counters
• 24 dedicated seaplane check-in counters
• Advanced real-time baggage tracking system
• Enhanced immigration facilities with e-gates
• Comprehensive passenger flow infrastructure featuring 41 elevators, 14 escalators, and 4 travellators
MACL has strategically partnered with Modalis Infrastructure Partners Inc. to oversee the terminal’s transition, ensuring compliance with global safety and service standards. The phased implementation approach will initially restrict operations to Maldivian for two weeks, followed by a second phase involving seven identified airlines.
The terminal’s architectural design draws inspiration from the Maldives’ natural environment, featuring wall patterns that reflect the destination’s unique landscape. Beyond aesthetic appeal, the facility is engineered to support an impressive annual passenger capacity of seven million, positioning the Maldives as a potential regional aviation hub.
Airport officials anticipate the new terminal will significantly boost the country’s aviation connectivity, potentially attracting more international airline partnerships and increasing flight frequencies. The strategic infrastructure investment is expected to provide direct support to the Maldives’ critical tourism sector, offering travelers a world-class entry point to this renowned destination.
With full operational capacity projected before the upcoming tourist season, the new Terminal 1 represents a transformative moment for Velana International Airport and the Maldives’ transportation infrastructure.
