Maldives Unveils State-of-the-Art International Terminal

July 27, 2025 | Ethera Business News

Financing & Infrastructure | Maldives | Global Business Travel

The Maldives has opened a new international terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA), marking a major step forward in the country’s growth. This upgrade will improve air travel, support economic development, and attract more business visitors and tourists.

A Major Step for the Maldives

The new terminal is part of a large airport expansion project. It can now handle up to 7.2 million passengers each year — almost three times more than before. With over 78,000 square meters of space, the terminal includes:

• Faster immigration and customs services

• More check-in counters and boarding gates

• VIP lounges and business-class facilities

• Duty-free shops and modern restaurants

Business and Economic Benefits

This expansion offers several key advantages for businesses and the economy:

• Better Access for Investors:

  Business visitors can enter the country more smoothly and quickly, saving time during trips.

• More Cargo Capacity:

  The new terminal supports faster handling of goods like seafood, medicines, building materials, and luxury items.

• Growth in Tourism:

  More flights and faster passenger movement will help attract more high-end tourists — which boosts income for hotels, resorts, and local businesses.

• Direct Flights from Key Markets:

  The Maldives can now receive more flights from global cities such as Dubai, Singapore, Colombo, and Mumbai — making business travel easier.

• Improved Business Travel Experience:

  The terminal includes premium lounges, reliable flight schedules, and quick services for businesspeople.