The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has issued an advisory for passengers to arrive at Velana International Airport (VIA) three hours before their departure. This request comes as the airport prepares for heightened congestion linked to the return of Umrah pilgrims who traveled in December.
MACL, which operates VIA, highlighted that with a significant influx of returning Umrah pilgrims expected tomorrow, both the terminal area and the access roads are likely to experience increased traffic. To manage this, taxi centers and drivers have been asked to adhere strictly to the designated traffic flows during peak operational hours for passenger pick-up and drop-off.
The anticipated peak times at VIA are as follows:
– From 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM: The airport expects 2,678 arrivals, including 618 Umrah pilgrims, alongside 1,372 scheduled departures.
– From 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM: There will be approximately 2,071 arrivals, including 452 Umrah pilgrims, and 1,091 departures.
Passengers flying out of VIA are strongly encouraged to comply with this advisory to ensure a smoother travel experience amidst the anticipated congestion.
