New Runway to be Used Soon.

The maiden flight to Velana International Airport’s new runway was operated back in 2018 but the new runway remained unused since.

The new runway can only be operational for takeoff and landing once the new seaplane terminal is fully functional and the Trans Maldivian Airways terminal area is entirely removed as it is in close proximity of the new runway, blocking its operation.

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) said that they are going to start using the new runway taxiway to make operations easier and smoother at Velana International Airport.
 
Airplanes can land and exit the runway without having to backtrack which allows additional airplanes to take off and land without needing to wait and circle the airport for the runway to be clear.

With the changes, the airport will be able to accommodate 16 arrivals which is double its current capacity.