VIA fireworks show enters Guinness World Records

A spectacular fireworks display marking the opening of the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) has officially entered the Guinness World Records.

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the operator of VIA, was awarded the Guinness World Record title for the Most Venues Performing Ceremonies and a Choreographed Fireworks Display during a special ceremony held to commemorate the arrival of the first aircraft to the new terminal.

The award was presented by Guinness World Records adjudicator Mbali Inkosi to MACL Chairperson Noorain Janah. Inkosi confirmed that the record represents a newly created category, with stringent criteria focusing on simultaneous launches in multiple directions, aerial consistency, and a minimum display duration of five minutes.

The fireworks were launched in 19 directions across Malé and surrounding areas, lighting up the skies for six minutes. Of these, nine directions met all guidelines set by Guinness World Records, thereby fulfilling the requirements for the title.

“To ensure compliance, we appointed 32 official witnesses, including 16 Indian military personnel, with two additional on-site observers,” Inkosi stated. “I can confirm that the show was executed in full accordance with Guinness World Records standards.”

The opening ceremony also featured the Maldives’ largest-ever drone show, and was attended by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

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

The new terminal, part of one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects undertaken in the Maldives, represents a total investment of USD 457 million (approximately MVR 7 billion). Construction of the terminal began in 2016, aiming to transform VIA into a world-class aviation hub.