Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal has announced that the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) will be inaugurated by December this year, marking a significant milestone for the country's tourism sector. He made the statement in his message for World Tourism Day, emphasising that the new passenger terminal is a key component of the larger airport modernisation project.
In his message, Minister Faisal highlighted that the new terminal at VIA is crucial for the growth of the tourism sector of the Maldives. He also noted that operations at the terminal will begin by December, with the entire airport expected to be fully operational by the first or second quarter of next year.
Additionally, Minister Faisal stressed the importance of attracting more airlines to operate flights to the Maldives once the new terminal becomes operational. As such, he said the government plans to collaborate with the tourism sector on marketing campaigns. He noted that the government should capitalise on the terminal’s opening by boosting marketing efforts, increasing occupancy, and enhancing tourist spending. Currently, he said that tourism generates USD 4.5 billion for the state, with a target of reaching USD 6 billion by 2027.
The existing international terminal at VIA handles 1.5 million passengers annually. In contrast, the newly constructed 78,000-square-metre terminal, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, will be capable of accommodating 7 million passengers each year. The final preparations are underway, with the new terminal set to feature aero boarding bridges, advanced baggage handling systems, and ample space for food and beverage outlets, retail shops, lounges, and other services, addressing the limitations of the current terminal.