70 percent of new airport terminal completed under current government: Shareef

Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, has said that 70 percent of the work on the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) was completed under the current administration.

Speaking at the terminal’s inauguration tonight, Shareef said only 30 percent of the project had been completed when he assumed his role, and the remaining work was carried out in the past 1.5 years.

Upon taking office, Shareef said his priority was to expedite key elements of the project, including the head-of-stand road to allow aircraft access to the terminal, the power generation system, water and sewerage infrastructure, and commercial areas.

“There was no electricity grid. No system to run water. MACL installed the 12MW electricity system required for the terminal,” he said.

He credited the rapid progress to the support of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and the efforts of the MACL team.

“It is important to acknowledge the staff who worked overtime and remained on active duty to ensure the terminal’s completion,” he added.

Shareef said the terminal is expected to handle 7.5 million passengers annually and will eventually accommodate all airlines operating in the Maldives.

The terminal was constructed by Saudi Binladin Group, with the project first launched in 2016. After nine years, the total cost stands at USD 457 million (MVR 7 billion).

Final preparations are underway ahead of the terminal’s opening. The new facility features 47 check-in counters and six self-service kiosks, and is expected to deliver a 30 percent increase in efficiency compared to the previous terminal.

New VIA terminal inaugurated on Independence Day, promising a major boost to aviation and tourism