In a historic milestone coinciding with the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu officially inaugurated the new international terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) on Friday evening, declaring it a transformative pillar of national prosperity.
President Dr @MMuizzu and First Lady @sajidhaamohamed attend the inauguration of Velana New Terminal at Velana International Airport.
Spanning 72,000 sqm, the terminal is designed to accommodate 7.5 million passengers annually. It features 12 boarding bridges, 47 check-in… pic.twitter.com/DLKwXGUiLN
— The President’s Office (@presidencymv) July 26, 2025
Speaking at the high-profile inauguration ceremony, President Muizzu described the terminal as the most crucial economic engine of the Maldives, emphasizing that the timing of its opening—on Independence Day—was deliberate and symbolic. “True independence is not just political; it is rooted in economic sovereignty. That is why this day, this opening, matters so deeply” the President declared to a standing ovation.
The state-of-the-art terminal, developed under one of the largest infrastructure projects in Maldivian history, is expected to revolutionize the tourism sector and boost overall economic performance. With the capacity to handle 7.5 million passengers annually and a 30% increase in service efficiency, the new terminal marks a leap toward world-class aviation standards.
President Muizzu expressed profound gratitude to the international financial institutions that supported the project. The Saudi Fund led the financing with $217 million (MVR 3.3 billion), followed by the Kuwait Fund with $100 million (MVR 1.5 billion), OFID with $50 million (MVR 771 million), and the Abu Dhabi Fund with $90 million (MVR 1.4 billion). In total, the project received $457 million (over MVR 7 billion) in foreign financing.
Acknowledging the urgency and scale of the undertaking, the President revealed that without his administration’s decisive interventions, the terminal’s completion would have been delayed by at least another 18 months. “Our resolve ensured this dream did not get stuck in delay. Today, we celebrate efficiency, results, and vision” President Muizzu said.
The President also extended thanks to all stakeholders who played a role in fast-tracking the project’s completion, singling out engineers, international partners, and local authorities. A grand drone show lit up the skies above VIA in tribute to the President’s leadership, further energizing the celebratory atmosphere.
The new terminal—equipped with modern check-in, security, and boarding facilities—is expected to serve as a major catalyst for the Maldives’ tourism-driven economy, enhancing global connectivity and investor confidence.
With this monumental achievement, President Muizzu has reinforced his administration’s commitment to economic transformation, setting a new benchmark for national development.
