Domestic flight operations at Velana International Airport (VIA) have been relocated to the airport’s former international terminal, in a move aimed at improving passenger flow and services.
A special ceremony was held to mark the transition, attended by Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, cabinet ministers, and senior officials from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), along with staff involved in the operational shift.
The relocation follows a series of upgrades to the terminal. Check-in capacity has been expanded from eight to 27 counters, while three additional security screening machines and six departure gates have been introduced. The facility now also includes gender-segregated prayer rooms and three food and beverage outlets.
Arriving passengers are expected to benefit from a significant expansion of baggage handling services, with two new baggage belts installed, each four times larger than the previous system. The effort is aimed at reducing congestion.
The changes are designed to streamline domestic travel and provide a smoother experience for passengers.