Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal has announced that the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) is set to be inaugurated by December, representing a major advancement for the Maldives' tourism sector. In a message for World Tourism Day, he emphasized the terminal's importance as part of a broader airport modernization project.
The new terminal is crucial for accommodating the growing number of tourists, with operations expected to commence by December. The entire airport will be fully operational by early next year. Minister Faisal highlighted the need to attract more airlines to the Maldives once the new terminal opens, suggesting collaboration with the tourism sector on targeted marketing campaigns.
Currently, tourism contributes USD 4.5 billion to the Maldivian economy, with a goal to reach USD 6 billion by 2027. The existing international terminal can handle 1.5 million passengers annually, but the new 78,000-square-meter terminal will have the capacity for 7 million passengers, featuring modern facilities like aero boarding bridges and advanced baggage handling systems. The upgraded terminal aims to improve services, increase occupancy rates, and enhance tourist spending, addressing the limitations of the current infrastructure.