Muizzu govt completes 70% of VIA new terminal in 1.5 years: MACL CEO

Managing Director and CEO of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Ibrahim Shareef, stated that 70% of the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) was completed within 1.5 years of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu taking office in November 2023.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the new terminal (T1) on Saturday evening, Shareef said only 30% of the terminal was completed during the previous six years. He credited the current administration with accelerating progress and changing the overall landscape of the airport.

“The value of the airport is significant. It serves as a gateway to national development, connecting generations,” Shareef said.

He noted that the President had shown early interest in the project, making the airport one of his first visits after assuming office. Shareef said that at the time, there was no electricity grid or drainage system, and no main road to the terminal. He also highlighted the difficulty in securing foreign funding.

"When I took over MACL, there were only sheltered walls. There was no power supply to the terminal, no sewerage or drainage, and no connecting road. Despite these conditions, under the President's guidance, we moved forward," Shareef said.

According to Shareef, the administration's rapid progress was achieved by providing clear direction and aligning the project with the broader economic goals of the government. He added that the President’s involvement helped match the physical development of the airport with his original vision when he served as a minister.

Details of VIA’s New Terminal:

The project was initiated under previous administrations, with initial work handed to the Saudi Binladin Group in 2016. Construction was later subcontracted to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).