The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has inaugurated the Koveli Business Lounge at Terminal 1 of Velana International Airport (VIA), introducing a state-of-the-art premium facility designed to redefine the passenger experience and strengthen the Maldives’ position as a global travel hub.
The ribbon-cutting was led by Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed, joined by MACL CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, Deputy Managing Directors Mohamed Lamman and Mujthaba Latheef, along with senior members of the management team.
A Premium Passenger Experience at Terminal 1
Spanning 1,230 square metres on the second floor of Terminal 1, the Koveli Lounge has capacity for 270 passengers at a time. The facility is equipped with a full range of modern amenities tailored to business and leisure travelers alike, including:
- A dedicated children’s play area
- Buffet dining service with international selections
- Shower facilities for transit passengers
- Baby care rooms
- Dedicated spaces for passengers with special needs
MACL said the new lounge was designed to provide a comfortable, seamless, and high-quality travel experience, reflecting the Maldives’ reputation for hospitality.
Government and MACL Vision
Minister Saeed, addressing the opening, stressed the strategic importance of VIA as the nation’s economic gateway. He noted that airport upgrades remain among the government’s top priorities, not only to serve growing passenger demand but also to reflect the Maldives’ ambitions on the global stage.
CEO Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed emphasized that premium facilities like Koveli Lounge are vital for attracting and retaining leading international airlines, many of which expect business-class amenities for their passengers. He credited close coordination between government agencies, contractors, and MACL teams for the project’s swift completion.
Part of Wider Terminal 1 Expansion
The lounge launch is part of the broader Terminal 1 development program, which also includes the highly anticipated new international passenger terminal. Unveiled in stages during this year’s Independence Day, the expansion is expected to significantly boost VIA’s passenger handling capacity and enhance operational efficiency before the upcoming peak tourism season.
Boosting the Economy Through Travel
For policymakers, the Koveli Lounge is more than a luxury—it is an investment in tourism competitiveness, foreign airline partnerships, and long-term economic growth. With tourism contributing more than a quarter of GDP, officials say that continuous service upgrades at VIA will help sustain momentum in arrivals and ensure the Maldives meets evolving traveler expectations.
