Maldives Celebrates 60th Independence Anniversary with Inauguration of New Airport Terminal; crucial details revealed
The Maldives celebrated a significant milestone on July 26, 2025, with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA). This new facility, costing USD 585 million, is the largest building ever constructed in the Maldives and marks a revolutionary upgrade for the tourism-reliant nation.
The new terminal can handle 7.5 million passengers annually, more than triple the airport's previous capacity. This substantial increase in capacity and efficiency is crucial for a country heavily dependent on tourism. With 47 check-in counters, multiple immigration counters, 12 aerobridges, and advanced baggage handling systems, the terminal greatly enhances passenger processing speed and comfort.
The enhanced passenger experience is another key benefit. The new terminal features modern facilities, lounges, and a design inspired by Maldivian culture and natural beauty. This not only improves travelers’ first impressions upon arrival but also upgrades the country’s image as a luxury destination. The upgraded facilities could attract more high-spending tourists, supporting the growth of the tourism sector and related industries such as hospitality, transport, and retail.
The new terminal also stands as a symbol of national progress and commitment to sustainable growth in tourism. Officially opened during the 60th anniversary of Maldives’ independence, it is intended to enhance the Maldives' position as a premier Indian Ocean destination.
The Maldives, with a population of around 400,000, is betting on infrastructure-driven development to navigate its economic challenges and secure long-term financial stability. The World Bank projects that the terminal will support an average economic growth rate of 5.2% in the medium term. The International Monetary Fund has also highlighted the facility’s potential to sustain momentum in the Maldives' tourism sector.
The launch event of the new terminal featured a record-breaking fireworks display, earning the Maldives a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu led the unveiling ceremony, reaffirming his administration's commitment to tighter fiscal policy and boosting tourism-led growth. The project was financed through a combination of national budget allocations and international loans from key development partners.
The terminal is now the home base for national carrier Maldivian (Q2). The new facility, over a decade in the making, is expected to transform the Maldives' tourism-reliant economy, facilitating smoother, larger-scale tourism traffic, boosting economic activity, and providing long-term growth opportunities for the Maldives.
The new terminal at Velana International Airport, capable of handling 7.5 million passengers annually, aims to cultivate a more comfortable and luxurious lifestyle for travelers, aligning with the Maldives' aspiration to maintain its image as a prime tourist destination. With enhanced facilities, increased capacity, and a focus on sustainable growth, this project signifies the Maldives' pursuit of attracting high-spending tourists and stimulating growth in sectors like hospitality, transport, and retail.
