Muizzu says to work with contractor to complete VIA by 2024 tourist season

President-elect Dr Mohamed Muizzu said on Thursday that he will work to complete the new terminal project at Velana International Airport (VIA) by next year's peak season.

Muizzu made the remarks while addressing the GM Forum at Bandos Maldives resort.

Speaking at the forum, Muizzu said the most important investment to expand tourism in the next five years is to complete the project as soon as possible.

“My hope and request to the contractors and financiers is that the project will be completed by then so that the tourism and aviation industry will benefit from the 2024 peak season,” Muizzu said.

Saudi Arabia's Bin Laden Group was awarded the contract to build the new terminal. The company has contracted the work to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC). Saudi Arabia has recently decided to provide an additional $100 million loan to complete the terminal.

The airport's new terminal:

Muizzu added that with the development of the VIA, 13 more domestic airports will be opened and a seaplane hub will be established in the south. The bed capacity of resorts and guesthouses will also increase significantly, he said.

Muizzu also shared some of the plans to expand the operations of the national airline Maldivian and increase the number of tourists. He gave a glimpse of the plan to increase and develop the national airline’s fleet or aircraft.

"The government will purchase wide-body aircraft for the national airline next month. The aim is to increase the number of tourists coming from the recently opened China market and some other source markets," Muizzu said.

Muizzu said the investment will give more vitality to Maldivian's operations and benefit MACL.