Opening of New Terminal Delayed to Next Year at AOC’s Request, Says MACL

The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has announced that the opening of the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) has been postponed to next year, following a request from the Airline Operators Committee (AOC).

Speaking before a parliamentary committee, MACL Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef explained that although 82 per cent of the terminal’s construction is complete and parts of it could be operational this year, the AOC has recommended delaying the official launch to avoid potential technical challenges.

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“Technically, part of the terminal can already be opened. Construction is on schedule. However, the AOC advised that opening prematurely could lead to delays and operational issues. Therefore, under the guidance of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, we decided to postpone the opening to June or July next year,” Shareef stated.

Initially, the government planned to open part of the terminal for this year’s tourism season, with the full facility set to launch next year.