The domestic terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) has been relocated to the former international terminal, known as Terminal 2.
The ceremony was attended by Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef
According to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), operations were shifted to Terminal 2 following significant refurbishment works.
The previous domestic terminal operated with eight check-in counters. Terminal 2 now offers 27 check-in counters, three security screening machines and six departure gates.
The upgraded facility also includes separate prayer rooms for men and women, a children’s play area and three food and beverage outlets. Two new baggage belts four times larger than the belt at the former domestic terminal have also been installed, MACL said.
“The main objective of this change is to reduce congestion at the former domestic airport and provide the best possible service to passengers,” the company said in a statement.
Domestic flight operations were formally transferred to Terminal 2 by MACL staff.
Following the relocation, traffic flow arrangements at Velana International Airport have changed as of yesterday.
Among the most significant adjustments is the taxi pick-up point. Passengers arriving on domestic flights will now join the taxi queue at the new terminal. Previously, domestic passengers were required to proceed to the harbour-side queue to obtain a taxi.
VIA’s new passenger terminal, Terminal 1, opened on 26 July last year. All international airlines completed the transition of their operations to the new terminal by the end of 2025.
