VIA new terminal expected to be complete in 2025

The development of the new terminal at the Velana International Airport (VIA), initiated by the former president Abdulla Yameen's administration has been delayed by another two years.

Maldives Airports Company Limited's (MACL) Corporate Communications Manager Shamaan Shakir said the project completion date was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and difficulties in procuring labour and material since the sub-contractor for the new terminal is a Chinese company.

The new terminal was originally targeted to be completed in 2022. However, there were delays in the implementation of the project due to the change in government and funding problems.

The project was again expected to be completed in 2023 with delays caused by the coronavirus.

With work now ongoing, the facility will be operational by 2025, Shamaan said.

He noted the new terminal has been under construction since last August after facing delays for the past two years.

"The work is going on at a very fast pace. The interior of the building is being fire proofed and the roof is being installed," he said.

The government awarded the construction of the new terminal to the Saudi Bin Laden Group in 2016. It is estimated that the 78,000 acre will cost MVR 5.5 billion.