The historic fireworks display at the opening of the new international terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) on Saturday has entered the Guinness Book of World Records
The opening ceremony of the new terminal was lit up by the colorful display of fireworks from 19 areas around the Male’ city. The firework mortars were located in 16 areas at sea around Male’ city and three were on land in the airport area.
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) said the fireworks display entered the Guinness Book of World Records for synchronized and simultaneous displays in 19 areas. The official record certificate was received at the ceremony held at VIA on Sunday to welcome the first plane landing at the new terminal.
MACL also said that Guinness World Records official adjudicators had attended the ceremony to certify the record on-site.
Many people gathered in different parts of the city to watch the fireworks display. A drone show was also held at the ceremony.
A still from the drone show that was displayed over the new VIA terminal's grand opening on July 26, 2025. (Photo/MACL)
This terminal, equipped with modern facilities and advanced services, has been designed to provide a world-class experience.
Key features of the terminal include:
47 check-in counters for passengers
6 self-check-in kiosks
20 immigration counters for departures
A dedicated area for duty-free shopping and food
Walkalator and escalators for easier navigation within the terminal, including four walkalators and 14 escalators
15 aerobridges for direct boarding from the terminal
28 immigration counters for arrivals
Four baggage claim belts in spacious areas for efficient luggage handling
The new terminal at VIA has been designed to serve 7.5 million passengers annually.