The Ministry of Finance has engaged in discussions with the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) regarding the development of Velana International Airport (VIA).
SFD serves as the primary external funding source for the VIA development project. Alongside SFD, financial support for the project is being provided by the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), and Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED).
A delegation from SFD, headed by Director General of Asia Operations Dr. Saud Al-Shammari arrived to the Maldives. The finance ministry disclosed that during the meeting with SFD, updates on the progress and challenges encountered in the VIA development project were exchanged.
The VIA development project commenced on April 6, 2016, with the contract for the new terminal awarded to Saudi Bin Laden Group on May 22, 2016. The new terminal, designed to accommodate 7 million passengers annually, spans an area of 78,000 square meters.
The new terminal will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including aero boarding bridges and advanced baggage handling systems. It also aims to address the space limitations of the existing terminal, ensuring enhanced operational efficiency and passenger experience.