After a long wait, the new international terminal of Velana International Airport (VIA) was inaugurated this Saturday evening.
The terminal was inaugurated by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The opening ceremony will feature a drone and light show.
To mark this achievement, a 10-minute fireworks display has been scheduled tonight at 19 locations around Male’.
Following the inauguration, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed will inspect the terminal.
This terminal, equipped with modern facilities and advanced services, has been designed to provide a world-class experience.
Velana International Airport's new terminal: President Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the terminal on Saturday evening, July 26, 2025. (Photo/ MACL)
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 exterior of the terminal has been designed to reflect the architecture of ancient Maldivian mosques, incorporating historical patterns. Additionally, the exterior features wave-like designs created by the ocean.
The airport’s interior has also been designed to showcase Maldivian aesthetics. Blue and white colors dominate the airport’s interior.
The new terminal at VIA has been designed to serve 7.5 million passengers annually.
The construction of the new terminal was funded by Saudi Arabia, with a contract worth approximately 5.3 billion MVR awarded in 2016 to Saudi Binladin Group under the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen.
Later, under former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration, the project was altered in design and work was continued. To advance the project, a 386 million MVR credit line was secured.
Prior to this administration, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, during an unofficial visit to Abu Dhabi, secured 1.2 billion MVR, enabling the completion of the terminal’s construction.
As a result, the total cost of the new terminal project amounts to approximately 7 billion MVR.