The new terminal at Velana International Airport is a facility that meets international standards, fulfills safety requirements, and is secure for travelers, according to Ahmed Nasheed, Head Chief Inspector of the Directorate of Aviation Security Administration (DASA). Ahmed Nasheed made these remarks while speaking in a video segment produced by MACL as part of a series focusing on the preparations for the new terminal’s opening.
The Directorate of Aviation Security Administration (DASA) is an agency responsible for regulating matters outlined in international aviation security treaties, establishing protocols to protect the air transport system from potential threats to civil aviation security, and defining airport security zones. Additionally, DASA is tasked with regulating and overseeing all aspects related to civil aviation security and carrying out all necessary measures on behalf of the Maldivian government to ensure the safety of civil air transport.
Speaking in the video segment produced by MACL as part of a series focusing on the preparations for the new terminal’s opening, DASA’s Head Chief Inspector Ahmed Nasheed stated that the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport has been developed in accordance with international standards. He also emphasized that this terminal is a facility that meets safety requirements and is secure for travelers.
“As the Aviation Security Regulatory Authority, we believe that the security standards implemented in the newly opened terminal are very comprehensive. Using modern equipment to provide complete security services to passengers traveling to the Maldives will bring satisfaction to tourists coming from all corners of the world,” said DASA’s Head Chief Inspector Ahmed Nasheed.
Nasheed also mentioned that the baggage handling system installed in the new VIA terminal is a very comprehensive system that meets security standards and is used in advanced countries worldwide. Furthermore, he noted that with this new terminal, many airlines wishing to come to the Maldives will have the opportunity to do so.
The process of opening the new terminal at Velana International Airport is being carried out according to international best practices. As such, MACL must fully comply with the standards set by the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the International Air Transport Association. To ensure these standards are met during the airport’s opening, a special team called “ORAT” has been established. This includes verifying the standards of Maldivian regulatory authorities such as the Directorate of Aviation Security Administration (DASA), Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA), and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
The new 72,000 square meter terminal is designed to serve 7.5 million passengers annually. To provide high-quality service to passengers using this terminal, it will feature 47 check-in counters, 6 self-service kiosks, and 24 counters dedicated to seaplane passengers, all incorporating Maldivian design elements. The new passenger terminal at VIA is scheduled to open on July 26th, which is celebrated as Independence Day in the Maldives.
