Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal has announced that the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) will be inaugurated by December this year. This announcement was made in his message for World Tourism Day, highlighting the terminal as a crucial part of the broader airport modernisation project.
Minister Faisal emphasized that the new passenger terminal is designed to enhance the capacity and efficiency of VIA, which is pivotal for the growth of the tourism industry in the Maldives.
The new terminal, spanning 78,000 square meters, is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including aero boarding bridges, advanced baggage handling systems, and ample space for food and beverage outlets, retail shops, lounges, and other services.
The new terminal will have the capacity to accommodate up to 7 million passengers each year, significantly boosting the airport’s ability to manage increased tourist arrivals. This expansion is expected to play a vital role in achieving the government’s target of generating USD 6 billion from tourism by 2027.
Minister Faisal also noted that the government plans to collaborate with the tourism sector on marketing campaigns to attract more airlines to operate flights to the Maldives once the new terminal becomes operational. This initiative aims to capitalize on the terminal’s opening by boosting marketing efforts, increasing occupancy, and enhancing tourist spending.
The final preparations for the new terminal are underway, with operations set to begin by December. The entire airport is expected to be fully operational by the first or second quarter of next year. This development marks a significant milestone in the Maldives’ efforts to modernize its infrastructure and support the continued growth of its tourism sector.
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