35-Day Countdown Begins for Velana’s New Terminal

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has launched the official countdown to open the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport on July 26.
The countdown began at midnight during a special ceremony held at the airport, where MACL Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef announced the start of the 35-day countdown to the terminal’s opening. The launch date coincides with the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day.

Speaking at the ceremony, Shareef expressed confidence in MACL’s team and their ability to meet this goal through hard work and determination. “No one believed this could be achieved within such a short duration. But MACL staff had the confidence that they could do this,” he said. He also assured staff of his continuous support for their efforts.
The government has previously stated that the new terminal will increase the airport’s capacity to 7.5 million passengers annually.
The terminal spans 78,000 square metres and includes several modern features:

• Six aerobridges in operation at opening
• Self check-in systems
• Automatic baggage handling systems
• Advanced visual docking guidance systems
• 38 immigration counters
• 7 additional check-in counters

MACL said all services from the old terminal will be transferred to the new terminal within three months of its opening.