President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih reveals the government of Saudi Arabia has guaranteed the necessary funds to develop the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) will be made available to the government of Maldives.
Addressing the closing ceremony of Guesthouse Symposium 2018, President Solih said tourists who wish to visit Maldives are facing difficulties at the main gateway of the country, adding a new terminal with a bigger capacity needs to be developed to cater the increasing number of tourist arrivals.
The president said even though the runway development project has been completed, the development of the new passenger terminal has been interrupted as the government of Saudi Arabia recessed providing funds for the project. However, he underlined Saudi Arabia has now assured to release the necessary funds for the project.
The new passenger terminal will comprise of 40 gates, 36 immigration counters and an aero bridge.
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has geared up to conclude the mega expansion project of VIA within three years.