Muizzu Aims to Open New VIA Terminal for Peak Tourism Season
Photo: Office of The President Elect
During the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum inauguration, President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu expressed optimism regarding the completion of the new VIA terminal for the forthcoming peak tourism season.
He hoped that the project’s contractors and investors would work to ensure the terminal’s readiness before the next peak season.
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Originally awarded to the Saudi Arabia’s Bin Laden Group in May 2016, the project faced delays for various reasons until the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) renewed the contract with the Bin Laden Group in June 2019.
This project is valued at USD 357 million and encompasses the construction of a 78,000-square-meter terminal designed to enhance annual passenger capacity to seven million, an improvement from the existing 1.5 million.
In addition to this development, Muizzu unveiled plans for the expansion of the country’s aviation sector. This includes the establishment of 13 new domestic airports and the creation of a seaplane hub in the southern region, aiming to broaden tourism opportunities throughout the Maldives.
He also outlined support for tourism development and the facilitation of larger passenger aircraft to boost visitor numbers.
