Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, has announced the conversion of the existing seaplane terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) into a private jet terminal as part of the airport's master plan.
This transformation aligns with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's introduction of VIA's 20-year master plan in January, which underscores a commitment to substantial growth and development. The plan includes provisions to accommodate 25 million passengers annually, with the capacity to handle 4,000 passengers per hour.
In a programme aired on PSM News, Minister Saeed detailed significant changes anticipated with the master plan's implementation. The airport will be expanded, and the seaplane terminal will be relocated to Full Moon resort. Discussions are currently underway with the resort management to facilitate this move.
Additionally, a new domestic terminal with a capacity of 2,000 passengers per hour will be developed. The current airport infrastructure, which supports the simultaneous parking of 34 flights, will be expanded to accommodate 73 flights, significantly increasing the number of airlines that can operate in the Maldives.
The VIA fuel farm will also undergo improvements, with aircraft refueling services upgraded to meet modern standards. Minister Saeed emphasized that the development project is progressing rapidly under President Muizzu's directive, with the new terminal expected to open in September this year.
Furthermore, the second phase of the VIP terminal is nearing completion. The present administration is optimistic that the public will take pride in the significant improvements made to the airport, transforming it into a modern and efficient hub.