Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has announced that the new international terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) will officially open on July 26, 2025. The state-of-the-art facility is designed to handle up to 7 million passengers annually, significantly easing long-standing overcrowding issues.

Key Features of the New Terminal:

• Size: 78,000 square meters

• Modern amenities, including:

  • Jet bridges

  • Advanced baggage handling systems

  • 38 immigration counters

  • 40 boarding gates

  • Duty-free shops

  • Premium lounges and restaurants

  • Air-conditioned walkways connecting to the old terminal

Phased Opening:

• Initially: Maldivian Airlines will operate flights from the new terminal

• By mid-August: Nine international flights will transition

• By September: All international flights will move to the new facility

• Note: Seaplane check-in will remain at the old terminal until the end of September

The current terminal, built to accommodate 1.5 million passengers annually, has been operating well over capacity, serving more than 2 million tourists each year. The expansion aims to improve efficiency and the overall travel experience at the Maldives’ primary gateway.