The new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA), slated to open July 26, 2025, is not merely a modern shell—it represents a fully operational complex equipped with foundational infrastructure: a dedicated powerhouse, water pipeline, sewerage, drainage, roads, and passenger tunnel. These upgrades, delivered under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) within 18 months, address deficiencies ignored during the previous nine-year build under President Yameen & President Solih’s tenure.
🛫 Critical Details
- Opening & Capacity
MACL confirms the terminal will begin operations on July 26, 2025, coinciding with Independence Day, with phased commencement through October 2025; it will handle 7–7.5 million passengers annually, a major leap from the current capacity of ~4 million.
- Beyond the Facade
Under the previous government, the terminal—constructed since 2016—was visually complete by 2023 but lacked essential systems. The stunning glass façade masked a “shell” without power, water, sewerage, drainage, or service roads.
🛠️ Infrastructure Upgrades: A Must for Functionality
System |
Initial Gap |
Muizzu-MACL Solution |
|---|---|---|
Power |
No capacity for added load, leaving terminal vulnerable |
New powerhouse in Hulhulé with 4 generators (16 MW) and independent distribution grid |
Water |
No pipeline for cooling or amenities |
1.8–2 km MACL-installed water pipeline (635 m under lagoon) connected terminal to main supply |
Sewerage |
No sewage lines for millions of users |
2.7 km sewerage network drilled under highway, fully operational |
Roads (Head‑of‑Stand) |
Missing service road, grounding operations |
Runway‑standard road now supports all ground services |
Drainage & Traffic |
Absence of stormwater systems and access roads |
6 km drainage pipes and upgraded two-lane roads for smooth transit |
Passenger Tunnel |
Exposure between terminals, problematic in rain |
Covered tunnel built seamlessly, ensuring safe transit |
🎙️ Presidential Oversight & Rapid Delivery
Upon assuming office, President Dr. Muizzu personally reviewed the site and mandated urgent completion of all critical systems. MACL responded by executing a comprehensive infrastructure overhaul in just 18 months, significantly outpacing the previous phase’s nine years. The real work—once merely 40% complete—jumped to a functional 100%, turning a shell into a full-fledged international terminal.
🌍 Strategic and Economic Impact
This transformation is strategic. By equipping VIA with self-reliant systems, Maldives strengthens its tourism gateway and ensures operational resilience—even amid power outages or utility disruptions in Malé. With a modernized terminal ready just before peak season, the nation positions itself for record tourism performance and attracts new airlines. It’s a calculated boost to national connectivity and economic growth.
✅ Bottom Line
A terminal is more than architecture—it must work. President Muizzu’s leadership turned faxade into function, delivering full-scale infrastructure to support VIA’s expanded capacity. This infrastructure-first approach underpins Maldives’ ambitions for a world-class tourism hub and resilient national gateway. As July 26 approaches, Maldivians and global travelers await a terminal that finally delivers what its exterior promised.
