The new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) will officially open by December this year, according to Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal. The announcement, made during his address for World Tourism Day, marks a key milestone in the ongoing airport modernization project, which is aimed at enhancing the capacity and efficiency of VIA.

Spanning 78,000 square meters, the state-of-the-art terminal will feature advanced facilities, including aero boarding bridges, cutting-edge baggage handling systems, and extensive spaces for food and beverage outlets, retail shops, lounges, and other services. The new terminal will accommodate up to 7 million passengers annually, a major increase that is expected to help manage the rising number of tourist arrivals.

"The new terminal is crucial for the growth of the tourism industry in the Maldives," Minister Faisal stated, noting its pivotal role in supporting the government’s goal of generating USD 6 billion from tourism by 2027. He also highlighted plans to collaborate with the tourism sector on marketing campaigns to attract more airlines to operate in the Maldives once the terminal is operational.

Final preparations for the terminal’s opening are underway, with operations expected to begin by December. The entire airport is anticipated to be fully operational by the first or second quarter of next year. The new development is part of a broader effort to modernize the Maldives' infrastructure and strengthen its tourism sector.