VIA terminal’s value lies in economic contribution, not structure: Nasheed
He added that the airport’s significance would be based on its ability to increase tourist arrivals, support economic activity, and raise state revenue.
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Former President Mohamed Nasheed has stated that the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) should be measured by its contribution to the national economy rather than its physical structure.
In a post on X on Wednesday, Nasheed commented on the upcoming opening of the terminal, which is scheduled for 26 July. His remarks come as public discussion grows around the terminal's architectural features.
Nasheed said development should not be equated with construction materials such as concrete, glass and plastic.
“The new terminal at Velana Airport will also be beautiful, as the saying goes, a knife is beautiful if it's sharp,” he said.
He added that the airport’s significance would be based on its ability to increase tourist arrivals, support economic activity, raise state revenue, and reduce public debt.
The terminal project, which began eight years ago, is expected to cost approximately USD 457 million (MVR 7 billion).
Nasheed referred to a Dhivehi literary saying, “a knife is beautiful if it’s sharp, the wife is beautiful if she’s good to you,” suggesting that utility defines value.
The VIA terminal is being positioned as a key component of infrastructure development aimed at supporting the Maldives’ tourism-dependent economy.
