Velana International Airport's new terminal to be operated by Maldivians

Velana International Airport (VIA) will officially unveil its long-awaited new terminal on the night of July 26.

While the project has drawn admiration for its scale and modernity, it has also faced scrutiny, as is often the case with ventures of this magnitude.

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed shed light on this behind-the-scenes effort during an appearance on TVM's Heyanbo program aired earlier this week.

According to Shareef, one of the initial challenges upon assuming leadership was the lack of progress on a critical component: the Head of Stand Road; the infrastructural artery linking the new terminal to the apron.

“At that point, the work hadn’t been assigned to any party,” Shareef said.

This essential bridge carries all operational services, including electricity, water, sewerage, and communication lines. It also functions as the route for fire trucks, baggage vehicles, buses, and support machinery.

“Without it, the terminal couldn’t be opened, no matter how finished it looked on the outside,” he said.

Unlike many other international airport operators, MACL provides all essential municipal services independently on the island, from power generation and water supply to sewerage and landscaping.

“When I took over, MACL did not have the capacity to supply electricity to a terminal of this scale,” Shareef said.

Previously, three generators supported the airport. The new terminal, however, requires 12–16 megawatts of electricity. To meet this demand, MACL expanded its power generation capabilities and laid down a new electrical network. Cooling capacity has also been scaled up through enhanced water-based systems.

“Even if the contractor finishes construction, the facility can’t operate or even undergo testing without these systems in place,” Shareef explained.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of the project, according to Shareef, is that the new terminal will be operated entirely by Maldivians — a fact that fills him with pride.

When Shareef stepped in, only 40 percent of the work necessary to operate a fully functional terminal had been completed, though structural progress stood at 54 percent.

“There were numerous challenges, but we overcame them. Now, we’re ready to open,” he said.

The new terminal is expected to transform passenger experience, with a strong focus on automation and service quality. Shareef said that nearly all passenger services from cooling and lighting to sound and touchpoints will be automated, significantly reducing wait times.

"With this new facility, we’re able to offer services that meet the highest standards of the International Air Transport Association (IATA),” he noted.

“This means shorter queues, improved security and safety, better food services, and a world-class duty-free experience.”

Currently, more than 95 percent of VIA’s terminal users are tourists, and Shareef expressed confidence that the new infrastructure will elevate service quality in line with the Maldives’ globally renowned hospitality industry.

The project also adhered to Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) protocols under the guidance of an international consultancy. The same firm also advised on training MACL staff, ensuring seamless integration.

Reflecting on the emotional weight of the upcoming inauguration, Shareef described the terminal opening as the “second happiest day” of his life, after the birth of his child.

“The President made this terminal a top priority. In fact, VIA was the first place he visited during the transition period following his election,” Shareef said. “If anyone deserves credit, it’s President Muizzu”.

The new terminal, awarded to the Saudi Binladin Group in 2016, spans 78,000 square meters. Once operational, it will increase VIA’s passenger capacity to 7.5 million annually. The total project cost, including recent upgrades, stands at approximately USD 600 million (MVR 9.2 billion).

The existing terminal built in 1978, currently serves up to 2,000 passengers per day. By contrast, the new terminal will dramatically expand capacity and improve the commercial viability of the airport. MACL has projected a 10 percent revenue increase in the first year alone, driven by expanded retail areas and higher aviation fuel sales.

The terminal’s duty-free area will triple in size, with 4,000 of the 13,000 square feet dedicated to retail. Additionally, the facility will offer 16 more aircraft stands during peak morning hours, enabling more airlines to operate within the same window.