The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has invited all former Presidents of the Maldives to attend the opening ceremony of Velana International Airport (VIA)’s new passenger terminal.
The new terminal is scheduled to open on 26 July, to coincide with the 60th anniversary of Maldives’ independence. While the opening date is just ten days away, final preparations are currently underway. According to MACL, official invitations to all former Presidents will be dispatched shortly.
Velana International Airport was originally opened in 1960, during the presidency of former President Ibrahim Nasir. Over the past 65 years, successive administrations have contributed to its development, with major changes brought to the airport.
The construction of VIA’s new terminal began nine years ago. However, the project faced significant delays, with only 54 percent of the work completed prior to the current administration taking office. When the new government took over, only some concrete work and the facade had been completed. Key components such as the duty free commercial area of the terminal, much of the interior works as well as the terminal's main road had yet to be contracted.
The terminal’s development has been one of the top priorities of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu upon assuming office. The President views the project as critical for the Maldivian economy. Within only 18 months of his administration, the project has now reached completion and is ready for official opening.