All ex-presidents to get invitation to VIA new terminal opening
Alongside former presidents, leading business figures and company heads will also be invited to attend the event.
All former Presidents of the Maldives will be invited to the opening ceremony of the new international passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA), the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) confirmed on Tuesday.
The new terminal is scheduled to open on the 26th of this month. Alongside former presidents, leading business figures and company heads will also be invited to attend the event.
Following the announcement of the opening date, there has been ongoing public debate on social media regarding which administration should be credited for the development of the terminal.
The terminal project was initiated in 2016 under the government of former President Abdulla Yameen. A significant portion of the construction was carried out during the term of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, while the final stages have been completed under the current administration led by President Mohamed Muizzu.
Addressing the debate during the Rayyithunna Eku podcast published by the President’s Office on Tuesday, President Muizzu stated that the discussion over credit was not productive. He said that multiple administrations had contributed to the development of Hulhulé airport, now known as Velana International Airport, which serves as the main international gateway to the Maldives.
President Muizzu highlighted that the original airport was constructed during the administration of President Ibrahim Nasir. He also noted that President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s government pursued various forms of foreign assistance to support airport development during his tenure.
The new terminal at VIA is part of the airport's wider expansion and infrastructure upgrade. MACL has stated that the facility is intended to handle increasing passenger volumes and to improve service operations at the country’s main international airport.
