Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) is pursuing an ambitious strategy to strengthen Velana International Airport (VIA) as the country’s primary gateway and a key pillar of economic growth, according to Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed.
Speaking at the Aviation Forum 2026 – Connecting Maldives, held at Hotel Jen, Shareef outlined the company’s priorities for expanding airport capacity, improving operational efficiency, increasing revenue streams and accelerating digital transformation.
The discussion, held under the theme “The New Journey in 3 Parts: Capacity, Revenue & Efficiency,” brought together industry stakeholders to examine the future of aviation in the Maldives amid rising passenger demand and continued tourism growth.
During the forum, Shareef said VIA’s long-term development strategy is focused on preparing the airport for future growth while enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to improve passenger services, strengthen cargo operations and advance major infrastructure projects designed to support the continued expansion of the Maldives’ tourism and aviation industries.
The CEO noted that digital transformation remains one of MACL’s central priorities. Several technology-driven initiatives are already being rolled out at the airport, including self-service check-in facilities, automated baggage drop systems, immigration e-gates, digital wayfinding solutions, biometric processing and smart security screening.
According to Shareef, these upgrades are intended to reduce waiting times, improve passenger flow and create a smoother airport experience from arrival to departure.
The airport operator is also exploring new opportunities to diversify revenue beyond traditional aviation-related income.
Shareef said MACL is placing greater emphasis on non-aeronautical revenue sources, including premium lounges, retail outlets, food and beverage services, commercial partnerships and digital service platforms.
Industry experts have increasingly highlighted the importance of such revenue streams for airports worldwide, particularly as operators seek to strengthen financial sustainability while investing in major infrastructure projects.
Addressing broader challenges facing the global aviation sector, Shareef stressed the importance of close collaboration between airports, airlines, tourism stakeholders and business partners.
He noted that maintaining strong international connectivity remains crucial for the Maldives, whose economy is heavily dependent on tourism and international travel.
The remarks come at a significant time for VIA, which is undergoing one of the largest expansion programmes in its history. The airport’s new international passenger terminal, scheduled to open in the near future, is expected to significantly increase passenger handling capacity and support the government’s broader tourism growth targets.
VIA remains the country’s busiest airport and serves as the primary entry point for the vast majority of visitors arriving in the Maldives. Recent tourism figures have continued to show strong visitor arrivals, placing increasing importance on expanding airport infrastructure and improving operational efficiency.
Shareef reaffirmed MACL’s commitment to developing VIA into a future-ready airport supported by modern infrastructure, diversified revenue sources and resilient operational systems.
He added that strengthening capacity, improving efficiency and ensuring sustainable long-term growth will remain at the heart of the company’s strategy as the airport prepares for the next phase of its development.
With tourism continuing to drive the Maldivian economy, MACL views the transformation of VIA as a critical component of supporting future economic growth and maintaining the country’s position as one of the world’s leading travel destinations.
