CAA Approves New VIA Terminal Ahead of July 26 Opening

The new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) has been confirmed to meet international standards, according to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

As part of preparations for its scheduled July 26 opening, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) is conducting guided tours for key stakeholders under the Operational Readiness, Activation, and Transition (ORAT) process. On Sunday, officials from the CAA toured the facility, during which the ORAT team responded to their operational queries.
CAA Air Transport Director Abdulla Rasheed stated that the terminal is in line with international expectations and will offer a significant improvement in convenience for tourists arriving in the Maldives.

The new terminal, built across 78,000 square metres, will increase capacity dramatically—handling up to seven million passengers annually, compared to the current terminal's 1.5 million. It includes 47 check-in counters featuring local design elements, six self-service kiosks, and 24 counters dedicated to seaplane passengers.

Initially, the terminal will be used by Maldivian’s international passengers. Staff training and systems testing are ongoing as MACL prepares for full-scale operations.
The terminal's opening aligns with Maldives’ Independence Day celebrations and marks a significant step forward in the country’s aviation infrastructure.