The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has advised the public to prepare for changes to vehicular movement around Velana International Airport (VIA), as final preparations continue for the launch of its new passenger terminal. The inauguration, slated for 26 July, will coincide with the nation’s 60th Independence Day, reinforcing the milestone's symbolic weight.
The MACL, which manages VIA operations, has confirmed that the project's completion will necessitate adjustments to access routes within the airport's precinct. Several approach roads have already been closed, while routes leading to the current terminal have been redirected. Updated signage has been installed, and MACL has urged motorists to comply with instructions from security personnel to ensure a safe and orderly transition.
The scale of the new terminal reflects the magnitude of anticipated growth. Once operational, the facility is expected to significantly expand VIA's capacity, enabling the airport to accommodate up to seven million passengers annually. Government officials have projected that the increased capacity will contribute to a marked rise in tourist arrivals, reinforcing the country's dependence on the travel sector as a cornerstone of the national economy.
Viewed through a broader lens, the terminal represents a key element of the country's long-term infrastructure agenda. Officials have described it as a strategic asset, one designed to enhance accessibility, elevate service standards, and strengthen the Maldives' standing as a premier global destination.