Traffic Flow at Velana International Airport Temporarily Diverted Until July 21 Amid Construction Works

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has announced temporary changes to traffic movement at Velana International Airport due to ongoing construction works on the landside roads and drainage systems of the new passenger terminal. The adjustments, effective immediately, will remain in place until 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, 2025.

According to MACL, the traffic diversion is necessary to facilitate critical infrastructure upgrades as the airport prepares for the grand opening of the new terminal later this month. As part of the rerouting plan, the standard two-lane round trip traffic flow will be redirected to the newly constructed road located in front of the terminal building.

In addition to the lane diversion, changes will be made to passenger pickup and taxi operations. The designated pickup and waiting areas for taxis will be temporarily relocated to the edge of the passenger walkway shed, adjacent to the west parking area. This relocation aims to ease congestion and maintain orderly flow during the high-traffic period.

Domestic bus services will still be permitted to collect passengers near the walkway shed, ensuring minimal disruption to inter-island and domestic travel connectivity. However, MACL noted that all vehicles traveling northbound and southbound through the airport zone will only be allowed to make U-turns at the Police Checkpoint area, as direct through traffic is restricted during the construction phase.

MACL has advised travelers and transport operators to allow additional time for drop-offs and pickups during this period, and to follow all on-site signage and traffic control instructions. The company expressed its appreciation for public cooperation and emphasized that the temporary inconveniences are part of broader efforts to enhance airport access and service capacity.

The ongoing roadworks form part of the final preparations ahead of the much-anticipated commissioning of the new terminal, which is expected to significantly boost Velana International Airport’s handling capacity and operational efficiency.