In a decisive move to bolster the Maldives’ aviation infrastructure, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu conducted a comprehensive inspection of the forthcoming terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) on Tuesday. Accompanied by cabinet ministers and senior government officials, the President received detailed briefings from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) and the Saudi Binladin Group, the principal contractor overseeing the terminal’s development.
— The President’s Office (@presidencymv) March 18, 2025
Designed to handle an impressive 7.3 million passengers annually, the new terminal is a cornerstone of the nation’s strategy to enhance passenger services and accommodate the burgeoning influx of tourists. Notably, this project is a continuation of President Muizzu’s longstanding commitment to infrastructure development; during his tenure as Minister of Housing and Infrastructure from 2012 to 2018, he played a pivotal role in initiating and advancing this terminal project.
While initial projections slated the terminal’s completion for mid-2025, President Muizzu has recently announced an accelerated timeline, asserting that the terminal will be operational before October 2025. This ambitious schedule underscores the administration’s dedication to expediting critical infrastructure projects to stimulate economic growth and elevate the Maldives’ status as a premier global tourist destination.
The new terminal is part of a broader expansion plan for VIA, which includes a new runway and seaplane terminal, collectively enhancing the airport’s capacity and operational efficiency. These developments are poised to significantly boost the Maldives’ tourism sector, a vital component of the nation’s economy.
President Muizzu’s proactive engagement with the VIA terminal project exemplifies his administration’s focus on infrastructural excellence and economic resilience. As the Maldives continues to attract visitors worldwide, such strategic enhancements to its aviation facilities are essential to sustaining and enriching the nation’s tourism industry.
