No Israeli firm hired for new terminal ceremony, MACL says

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has denied reports circulating on media claiming that an Israeli-affiliated company has been contracted to provide fireworks or participate in the opening ceremony of the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA).

In a statement released Monday night, MACL dismissed the reports as “false and baseless,” reaffirming that the company has no dealings with Israeli firms.

“MACL is a 100% Maldivian company and has not, and will not, engage in anything that contradicts the sentiments of the Maldivian people,” the statement read.

The company strongly condemned the spread of misinformation, describing it as an attempt to damage its reputation and public trust. MACL also revealed it is considering legal action against those responsible for spreading the claims.

MACL further stated that a formal complaint is being prepared for submission to the Maldives Broadcasting Commission regarding the dissemination of unverified reports.

The new international terminal at VIA is scheduled to open on July 26, marking a major milestone in the airport’s expansion project. Initially handed over to Saudi Bin Laden Group in 2016, the project was later subcontracted to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).

Initially, only Maldivian, the national airline, will operate from the new terminal. By mid-August, 10 international airlines will shift operations there, with all airlines expected to move by September.