News Desk
MALÉ, Maldives — As the Maldives prepares to open a new chapter in its aviation history, Velana International Airport’s expansive passenger terminal is set to open on July 26. The Maldives Airports Company Ltd. (MACL) is finalizing preparations, with recent familiarization tours for airline partners and operational teams, as detailed in MACL’s social media posts. Images show workers in high-visibility vests inspecting the sleek 78,000-square-meter facility, a testament to years of planning and investment to boost the airport’s capacity from 1.5 million to 7.5 million passengers annually.
The project’s origins trace to 2016–2017, when initial planning and foundational work began under the Maldives’ push to modernize infrastructure. The foundation was completed by December 2019, a milestone documented in Velana International Airport’s records. The development gained momentum with a $223.5 million loan package from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), including a $40 million tranche announced in December 2024. This funding has supported critical upgrades, including jet bridges, advanced baggage handling systems, and a design meeting IATA Level B service standards. The terminal’s architecture blends modern functionality with Maldivian cultural elements, featuring expansive glass facades and intricate interior designs, as shown in recent social media posts.
Under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who assumed office in November 2023, the project has accelerated, with MACL prioritizing a seamless transition. The new terminal will ease chronic overcrowding during peak tourist seasons. Beyond passenger services, the facility will handle 120,000 metric tons of cargo annually and includes a 45,000-metric-ton fuel farm, strengthening the airport’s role as a regional hub. The adjacent waterdrome, the world’s largest seaplane operation with four water runways, will complement the expansion by supporting connections to over 35 international destinations.
MACL’s comprehensive strategy emphasizes passenger flow, with teams reviewing check-in counters, security checkpoints, and retail zones featuring duty-free shops, dining outlets, and lounges. The terminal’s interior features natural light through large windows and sustainable elements like energy-efficient lighting. These efforts align with the Maldives’ tourism-driven economy, which welcomed 1.8 million visitors in 2019, and aims to reach 1.5 million arrivals in 2025 despite global travel fluctuations.
The project’s scale reflects a broader national ambition, aligning with the Maldives’ modernization goals. Contracted to the Saudi Binladen Group in 2019, the terminal was initially slated for completion in mid-2022 but faced delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and supply chain challenges. Resilient planning, bolstered by ADFD funding, has restored progress. Additional infrastructure, including a cargo terminal and expanded apron with Code E stands, was tested in July 2019, with live flight operations advancing full certification.
Leading this endeavor is MACL CEO Mohamed Shareef, whose strategic vision has earned widespread praise. Shareef has adeptly managed complex logistics, secured international partnerships, and cultivated a collaborative environment. His leadership has been pivotal in aligning the project with the Maldives’ goal of sustainable growth, balancing tourism expansion with environmental considerations.
As the opening nears, MACL is refining operational protocols, with airline partners providing feedback to ensure a smooth launch. The terminal’s advanced technology, including biometric immigration systems and real-time flight information displays, promises an enhanced traveler experience. For the Maldives, it is a lifeline to economic stability. With less than a month until the grand opening, all eyes are on Velana International Airport as it prepares to welcome the world in style.
