President Muizzu Unveils Ambitious Transformation for Velana International Airport in the Maldives

In a momentous announcement, President Mohamed Muizzu has unveiled an ambitious vision for the future of Velana International Airport (VIA), marking a historic chapter in the Maldives' aviation landscape.
The project inauguration took place in a special ceremony at the Dharubaaruge venue in the capital city of Male. Attended by Cabinet Ministers, Parliament members, Ambassadors of foreign countries, company and institution heads, and MACL senior staff, the ceremony showcased the comprehensive plan for VIA's transformation. Economic Minister Mr. Mohamed Saeed and Maldives Airports Company CEO & MD Mr. Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed also delivered speeches during the ceremony.
The initial phase of VIA's development is well underway, with the opening of a new terminal expected later this year, designed to accommodate 7.3 million passengers. However, President Muizzu's visionary plan sets a more ambitious target of hosting 25 million passengers over the next two decades.

The new project encompasses various significant developments, including a new domestic terminal with a capacity to handle 2000 passengers per hour—an impressive increase from its current capacity of 300 passengers per hour. Simultaneously, plans for a dedicated terminal for low-cost carriers capable of serving 1000 people per hour are in progress. Moreover, a seaplane terminal on the nearby island of Furaanafushi is set to be developed to facilitate more operators in the country.
In addition to terminal expansions, facilities to support increased operational capacity are included in the plan. This involves the expansion of the fuel farm from 15 million liters to 45 million liters, with a subsequent increase to 100 million liters in the next phase. The cargo handling capacity is also expected to rise from the recently developed 100 thousand metric tonnes to an impressive 300,000 metric tonnes.

One of the standout features of the expansion project is the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility adhering to EASA standards. The plan introduces various new facilities and services, including the creation of a special economic zone for VIA, with Funadhoo Island developed as a transit hub for VIA passengers. Modern airport services such as transit hotels, shopping centers, restaurants, and necessary amenities will be implemented. The transit hub and seaplane terminal island will be linked to the main airport via a monorail system.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's visionary plan underscores his commitment to propelling the Maldives to new heights and fostering economic development through the enhancement of its aviation infrastructure. The extensive expansions and advanced facilities outlined in this transformative project are poised to elevate VIA's status as a key player in the global aviation industry.