In a significant announcement tonight, the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) unveiled a ambitious 20-year plan to upgrade Velana International Airport to meet global standards.
The revelation occurred at a special ceremony led by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. This initiative aligns with the vision of the President and his government, which assumed office in November of last year. The multi-billion-dollar project aims to transform Velana International Airport, aspiring to accommodate 25 million passengers annually, equivalent to 4,000 passengers per hour.
After completion, Velana International Airport will expand its role beyond being just a tourist gateway, evolving into a comprehensive facility for aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul, meeting stringent EU aviation safety standards.
The domestic terminal will undergo significant expansion, increasing its capacity from 300 to 2,000 passengers. Modern checking facilities and self-service kiosks will be introduced to enhance the overall passenger experience.
MACL’s transformative vision includes the development of a separate terminal for jets, three additional water runways for air taxis, and a substantial increase in parking capacity from 34 to 73. A dedicated terminal for low-cost carriers, equipped with four gates, will cater to 1,000 passengers per hour.
As part of this transformation, the neighboring Funadhoo will be developed into an airport economic zone, featuring transit hotels, shopping centers, convention centers, and entertainment complexes.
MACL’s recent enhancements to the airport, including upgraded runways, seaplane terminals, fire stations, cargo terminals, fuel farms, VIP, CIP, and passenger terminals, have set the stage for this transformative journey.
The runway is expected to be fully utilized with the completion and operational launch of the new passenger terminal, projected to commence operations soon. This move is estimated to double the current annual service from 3.5 million to seven million passengers per annum.
Velana International Airport, opened in 1960 and constructed by Maldivian citizens as voluntary work, saw its first commercial plane land on April 10, 1962. Further development occurred under the leadership of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and President Abdulla Yaameen.
