Malé – July 26, 2025:
A major milestone in the Maldives’ aviation history — the new international terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) has been officially inaugurated today.
The inauguration ceremony is being held as part of the 60th Independence Day celebrations and was officiated by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The event is graced by former presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan, along with top government officials, foreign dignitaries, and aviation stakeholders.
Spanning 78,000 square metres, the new terminal brings a massive boost to passenger capacity — increasing from 1.5 million to over 7 million annually. The ultra-modern facility includes aerobridges, smart immigration systems, self check-in kiosks, and advanced baggage handling technologies.
As part of a phased rollout, Maldivian Airlines becomes the first carrier to operate from the new terminal, with more airlines expected to transition in the coming weeks.
This marks a new chapter for Maldives’ air connectivity — positioning VIA as a regional hub and enhancing the overall travel experience for millions of visitors and locals alike.
