The official opening ceremony of Velana Airport included several colorful events. A special report highlighting the long history and important milestones in the development of Velana Airport was presented during the ceremony. A special theatrical performance was conducted for the airport opening. The drone show held during the ceremony displayed symbols of Velana Airport, including representations of independence and airport services. The theatrical performance and drone show concluded with a fireworks display.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu officially opened the terminal at the grand ceremony, which featured fireworks. He was accompanied by Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, CEO of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), which operates Velana International Airport. To mark the opening of the new terminal, a model of the terminal was presented to the President.
The new terminal of Velana International Airport is developed with many modern services. The departure hall has 47 check-in counters. Additionally, 6 self-service check-in kiosks have been installed, which is a new service introduced to the Maldives with this terminal. Furthermore, 24 check-in counters dedicated to seaplanes have been established in the new terminal.
While many services have been set up for departing passengers, the number of immigration counters has also been doubled compared to the current terminal. There are more than 20 immigration counters dedicated to departing passengers, along with 6 e-gates. For arriving passengers, there are 28 dedicated immigration counters and 7 e-gates.
With this large terminal covering 72,000 square meters, aero bridges will be used for the first time in the Maldives. The terminal has 12 aero bridges installed. Each of these aero bridges is equipped with the most modern facilities and air conditioning. MACL has stated that this will reduce the time taken to disembark passengers from flights to 8 minutes.
MACL has stated that this terminal will use the most modern baggage scanning systems, and high-speed baggage belts will be used for baggage claim and sending luggage for departing passengers.
MACL has revealed that when the terminal begins operations, the first service will be provided to Maldivian Airlines. By the end of September, services will begin for major airlines coming to the Maldives through the ORAT (Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer) framework.
