The new seaplane terminal dubbed "Noovilu" at Velana International Airport (VIA) opens officially.
Maldives Vice President Faisal Naseem opened the terminal during a special inauguration ceremony held on October 6, Thursday last week. The new terminal venue was developed with designs incorporating the Maldivian identity.
Development of the terminal cost USD 55 million reportedly.
The new seaplane venue comes with a special VIP segment, along with 42 distinct passenger lounges. With the exception of just two of these lounges, the rest are rented out to local tourist resorts.
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) which operates VIA recognizes the importance of a more contemporary seaplane terminal in the Maldives, which operates the largest seaplane fleet in the world.
According to MACL statistics, passenger movement at the seaplane terminal on a daily basis reach between 4,000 to 6,000. Over 300 planes operate during low seasons while more than 600 operate during high seasons.
The official unveiling of the seaplane terminal follows suit with the earlier official opening of the airport's new runway.
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