Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal has revealed that the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) will officially open in December this year. This announcement, made during his message for World Tourism Day, underscores the terminal's significance as a key component of the broader airport modernization initiative.
The new passenger terminal is designed to enhance VIA's capacity and efficiency, which is essential for the growth of the Maldives’ tourism industry. With a sprawling area of 78,000 square meters, the terminal will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including aero boarding bridges, advanced baggage handling systems, and extensive space for food and beverage outlets, retail shops, lounges, and other services.
This facility will have the capacity to accommodate up to 7 million passengers annually, greatly improving the airport's ability to handle the anticipated increase in tourist arrivals. Such expansion is crucial for meeting the government’s target of generating USD 6 billion from tourism by 2027.
Minister Faisal also mentioned plans for collaboration with the tourism sector on marketing campaigns aimed at attracting more airlines to operate flights to the Maldives once the new terminal is operational. This initiative is intended to leverage the terminal's opening by enhancing marketing efforts, boosting occupancy rates, and increasing tourist spending.
As preparations for the new terminal progress, operations are slated to begin by December. The airport is expected to be fully operational by the first or second quarter of next year. This development marks a significant milestone in the Maldives’ efforts to modernize its infrastructure and support the ongoing growth of its tourism sector.
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