Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has opened a new passenger rest and service area at Terminal 1 of Velana International Airport (VIA), expanding passenger facilities and improving comfort and convenience for travellers departing from the country’s main international gateway.
The newly opened facility adds approximately 750 square metres of passenger seating on the first floor of Terminal 1. It features a variety of seating arrangements designed to provide travellers with a more comfortable space to relax while waiting to board their flights.
A key highlight of the new area is a dedicated 136-square-metre children’s play zone, created to offer a safer and more engaging experience for families travelling through the airport. The play area includes multi-level play platforms, woven mesh tunnels, rope and ring climbing features, and a ball pit, giving young travellers a space to play before departure.
The expansion also includes a new banking service facility operated by Bank of Maldives (BML). The service point offers foreign exchange facilities as well as US dollar issuance services for Maldivian customers, providing added convenience for passengers before international travel.
MACL said the opening of the new passenger rest and service area marks another milestone in the ongoing development of Terminal 1. The company added that the project reflects its commitment to delivering modern, inclusive and passenger-focused facilities at Velana International Airport.
Velana International Airport is the Maldives’ primary gateway to the world, handling millions of passengers annually and serving as the country’s busiest aviation hub. MACL has been undertaking a series of infrastructure upgrades at the airport as part of its long-term strategy to enhance passenger experience and accommodate the continued growth of tourism and air travel in the Maldives.
