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Road construction works in front of the new terminal. (Atoll Times Photo/Anoof Junaid)

Temporary traffic changes at VIA ahead of new terminal opening

According to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the changes will remain in effect until 21st of this month.

13 July 2025
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Traffic flow at Velana International Airport (VIA) has been temporarily altered due to drainage works being carried out on the road adjacent to the new passenger terminal.

According to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the changes will remain in effect until 21st of this month. The two-lane road near the new terminal will be closed during this period, and traffic will be diverted to the road in front of the new terminal building.

In addition, the taxi queue has been relocated to the west side parking area. However, the taxi drop-off point and MTCC bus stop will remain in their current locations. Vehicles travelling from the north to the south of the airport will be directed near the police checkpoint.

The new terminal is scheduled to open on 26th of this month. Initially, only the national airline will operate from the facility. From mid-August, ten additional airlines are expected to shift operations to the new terminal, with all airlines scheduled to complete the transition by September.

The new terminal project was handed over to the Saudi Binladin Group in May. The construction is being subcontracted to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).

The initial estimated cost of the project was MVR 5.3 billion (approximately USD 350 million), which has since increased to MVR 9.2 billion (approximately USD 600 million). The terminal is designed to handle 7.5 million passengers annually and will include 40 departure gates, 38 immigration counters, and aero bridges for aircraft boarding and disembarkation.

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