President Muizzu’s Support Highlighted as MACL Hosts Media Gala Ahead of VIA Terminal Launch

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) hosted an exclusive media networking gala on Monday evening, where senior leadership highlighted the crucial support of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in accelerating the development of the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA).

The event, held in Malé, was attended by MACL CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, Deputy Managing Directors Mohamed Lamaan and Mujthaba Latheef, as well as senior executive committee members. The evening provided a platform for dialogue with media representatives and underscored the importance of strategic engagement as the company prepares for a transformative infrastructure launch.

The 78,000 m² terminal is scheduled for official inauguration on July 26—coinciding with the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day. It will mark a significant upgrade in national aviation capacity, increasing VIA’s annual passenger handling capability from 1.5 million to over 7 million. The new facility will feature modern infrastructure, including aerobridges and automated baggage systems, designed to address the growing demands of international travel and tourism.

In his keynote speech, Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed acknowledged the overwhelming support from the administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. “The leadership of President Muizzu has been instrumental in accelerating this project to the finish line. His visionary approach and firm commitment to national development have empowered us to move forward with confidence,” said Shareef. He emphasized that the new terminal is a “gift to the Maldivian people” that reflects both governmental vision and MACL’s operational capabilities.

He also highlighted the urgency of the expansion, noting that the current terminal is operating beyond its designed capacity, serving over 2 million passengers annually. “The completion of this new terminal is not just a milestone for MACL—it is a strategic asset for the entire nation,” he said.

Recent developments, including the successful completion of major infrastructure components such as the water pipeline system, reflect the project's advancing operational readiness. MACL’s leadership reiterated their commitment to delivering a world-class facility in time for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations.

The gala concluded with a call for continued partnership between MACL and media stakeholders, as the company enters the final countdown to one of the largest infrastructure upgrades in Maldivian aviation history.