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The new terminal at VIA.

Maldives to open new airport terminal with 3 aerobridge on July 26

MACL is holding a series of meetings with stakeholders to provide updates on the new terminal.

4 June 2025
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Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has confirmed that the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) will be opened on 26 July. The facility is expected to become operational with at least three aerobridges and essential services, according to MACL and Modalis Infrastructure Partners, the firm advising on terminal operations.

MACL is holding a series of meetings with stakeholders to provide updates on the new terminal. A session held this week included representatives from resorts and airport service providers who work with MACL to deliver Commercially Important Person (CIP) services.

During the meeting, MACL Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef addressed circulating claims regarding the terminal’s readiness. He read excerpts from a message sent by a resort general manager, which alleged that:

  • Only one aerobridge would be in operation at launch,

  • Only part of the terminal would open initially,

  • Departures alone would be handled at first,

  • Few budget airlines were engaged in discussions.

Rob Williams, VIA’s Project Manager for Operational Readiness and Airport Transition (ORET) and an advisor with Modalis Infrastructure Partners, refuted these claims. He stated that the contractor had informed them that most facilities would be ready by the opening date.

“At least three aerobridges will be operational on 26 July,” said Williams. “The remaining six are expected to be completed, though final testing may not be finished by then.”

The terminal is being developed by the Saudi Bin Laden Group. Williams cautioned against relying solely on the contractor’s assurances and stressed the importance of operational trials before full launch.

Shareef added that only the main contractor was allowed on site until recently, as a precaution. However, following consultations last month, contractors for the commercial areas have now been permitted access. This has enabled the preparation of lounges, food and beverage outlets, and duty-free shops for phased opening, based on airline relocation schedules.

Airline Transfer in Two Phases

Operations from existing airlines will be transferred to the new terminal in two phases. According to Williams, the first phase in July and August will involve airlines with minimal infrastructure requirements. These account for around one-third of flights and 12% of passenger volume at VIA.

Airlines set to begin operations from the new terminal in the first phase include:

  • Maldivian

  • Chongjin Airlines

  • Beond

  • XiamenAir

  • Oman Air

  • FitsAir

  • US-Bangla Airlines

  • AirArabia

  • Bangkok Airways

  • Batik Air

Maldivian will commence operations on 26 July. The remaining airlines in this group are expected to move by mid-August.

The second phase, scheduled for September, will see the remaining airlines relocated. MACL aims for all airline operations to be based at the new terminal by the beginning of the high tourist season later this year.

MACL has assured stakeholders that all passenger services will be operational from day one, despite the staggered airline transition.

The new terminal project was awarded to the Saudi Bin Laden Group in May 2016. Construction work is being executed by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).

Initial project costs were estimated at USD 350 million (approximately MVR 5.3 billion). The current cost estimate stands at USD 600 million (approximately MVR 9.2 billion).

Key specifications of the new terminal include:

  • Passenger handling capacity of 7.5 million annually

  • 40 departure gates

  • 38 immigration counters

  • Multiple aerobridges for aircraft boarding and disembarkation

MACL and Modalis are continuing preparations to ensure the terminal becomes operational as scheduled.

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