Government Targets Full Shift of International Airlines to New VIA Terminal This Year

All international airlines operating to the Maldives are expected to relocate their operations to the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport by the end of this year, as the government moves ahead with a full transition to the upgraded facility.

Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim said the shift is part of a gradual process that began after the terminal became operational in July last year. Speaking to state media to mark the administration’s two-year milestone, the minister noted that international flights have been steadily moving to the new terminal as systems and capacity continue to expand.

Germany’s Condor Airlines became the latest carrier to make the switch, commencing operations from the new terminal on Thursday. Condor has maintained regular flights to the Maldives since 1981, making it one of the longest-serving European airlines connected to the destination. Its transition marks another step in integrating long-haul international services into the modernised hub.

The new terminal was officially inaugurated on 26 July 2024, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the Maldives’ independence. Designed to handle up to 7.5 million passengers annually, the terminal represents one of the largest infrastructure investments in the country’s aviation sector, with the total project cost estimated at around MVR 6 billion. While the development was initiated during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen, the majority of construction progressed under the Maldivian Democratic Party government, and the current administration completed and opened the terminal after extensive final works.

Official figures indicate that the inauguration ceremony, which featured a large-scale drone display and a record-breaking air show, exceeded MVR 18 million in cost, drawing both public attention and debate over expenditure.

Authorities say the complete transfer of all international airlines to the new terminal will help streamline passenger movement, improve service efficiency and enhance the overall travel experience at the country’s main gateway, as efforts continue to fully consolidate airport operations within the upgraded facility.