President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has clarified the progress and credit for work on the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport, underscoring contributions from successive administrations.
In the eighth episode of his “Rayyithunnaa Eku” podcast, released today by the President’s Office, President Muizzu traced the terminal’s development through previous administrations, recognizing each leader’s role in its progress. He highlighted the original construction of the airport runway under President Ibrahim Nasir and noted subsequent enhancements during President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s tenure, involving diverse funding initiatives .
“We should acknowledge the hard work done by former presidents,” he stated, adding that the terminal’s construction commenced during President Abdulla Yameen’s administration and continued into President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s tenure. “When we took over, 57 percent of the terminal building work was completed,” he explained, noting unfinished sections such as the duty‑free area and main roadway, which his government then approved and expedited.
President Muizzu recounted that after his election victory, his first official visit was to the airport, where he pledged to prioritise the project. Although completion did not meet original targets, the terminal was sufficiently ready for opening by Independence Day .
He outlined key remaining works at takeover: the main access road near the terminal had no assigned contractor, and interior fittings—especially the duty-free zone—were stalled after being left at bare cement finish. His team remedied this, assigning contractors to both, and set timelines for completion: the duty-free area by 26 July, with full terminal readiness expected by September.
President Muizzu emphasised factual transparency over credit-seeking: “There’s no need for anyone to claim they did it all… That’s childish behaviour,” he remarked.
Terminal’s Economic Promise and Next Steps
Looking ahead, President Muizzu highlighted the terminal’s potential to significantly enhance tourism and, by extension, the national economy. “The airport is the most important asset of the Maldivian economy”, he noted, adding that the new terminal is part of a wider effort, including renovating the old runway and other infrastructure upgrades, to generate sustained economic growth.
These developments come as part of a broader $600 million expansion project initiated in 2016, which aims to boost passenger capacity from around 4 million to approximately 7 million per year, with long-term goals surpassing 25 million . The plan also includes expanded fuel storage, cargo facilities, and a seaplane terminal on Funadhoo Island—steps anticipated to cement the Maldives’ position as a global tourism hub.
