Fireworks and drone show to mark opening of new VIA terminal

A fireworks and drone display will mark the opening of the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) this weekend, according to the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).

This will be the largest of its kind since the Sinamale' Bridge opening in 2018.

MACL Deputy Managing Director Mohamed Lam'aan told Mihaaru News that final preparations are under way for the official opening on Saturday, which will coincide with the 60th anniversary of Maldives independence.

A colorful event will be held in the Male' area, featuring a large-scale fireworks display, a drone show, he said.

Lam'aan said that the ceremony would also showcase “huge surprises”.

“We are coming up with a huge surprise. There will be fireworks, a drone show, and more surprising events,” he said.

However, no further details have been shared.

The new terminal was built by Saudi Binladin Group. Covering 78,000 square metres, it has capacity for 7.5 million passengers a year. The cost of the revised terminal project is around USD 600 million (MVR 9.2 billion).