President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced the project to develop the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) will begin on July 27.
Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office, President Solih noted amendments were brought to the agreement to resume the development of the new passenger terminal. The president also estimated to complete the project within 30 month, with the aim to bring the terminal in to operation in mid-2022.
The project was contracted to Saudi BinLadin Group at a cost of USD 357 million. The company was initially assigned the project on May 22, 2016. However, the company to initiate and progress the project according to the schedule. The new terminal would be 78,000 square meters in size and would be developed as a building that showcases the rich culture and traditions of Maldives, as per the new design.
At the press conference, the president also denied rumours the new seaplane terminal has being handed over to Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), without a bidding process.