MACL to invite all former Presidents to VIA new terminal opening

The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) will invite all former presidents of the Maldives to the inauguration of the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA), scheduled for the night of July 26.

Speaking to Mihaaru, MACL Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed confirmed that invitations will be extended individually to all former Presidents. He added that former MACL officials, board members, key figures from the tourism sector, and prominent business leaders will also be invited to the high-profile event.

The upcoming inauguration marks the opening of what MACL describes as the most modern terminal ever built in the Maldives, a major milestone in the country’s aviation infrastructure.

The terminal project, which began in 2016 during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen, faced several delays over the years. Completion of the terminal became a top priority for the current administration under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Since taking office, President Muizzu has secured USD 100 million from the Saudi Fund and USD 80 million from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) to help finalize the project. The terminal's total cost is estimated at USD 600 million (MVR 9.2 billion).

In the latest episode of his podcast "With the People", released today, President Muizzu emphasized that the credit for the terminal’s completion belongs not only to his government but also to former presidents Abdulla Yameen and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, acknowledging their roles in moving the project forward.