President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has officially inaugurated the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) during a ceremony held tonight.
President Dr Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed were welcomed to the ceremony by Ayesha Nurain Janah, Chairperson of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), and Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, CEO and Managing Director of MACL.
The ceremony featured the largest drone show held to date in the Maldives, with a great display of fireworks to celebrate the inauguration of the new terminal at VIA; the latter a symbol of Maldivian independence.
The President and the First Lady toured the new terminal after the formal inauguration.
The new terminal features 47 check-in counters, six self-service kiosks, 20 departure immigration counters, six boarding gates, and 12 aerobridges, and can accommodate and serve 7 million passengers annually.
The terminal, which replaces the original terminal opened in 1981, is designed to incorporate the natural beauty of the Maldives, drawing inspiration from the seascape and the shores. The architectural concept also pays tribute to traditional hirigaa (limetone) carvings, showcasing the nation’s rich history, cultural identity, and Islamic heritage. The new terminal stands as a symbol of national progress.
The event was attended by the Vice President, Speaker of the Parliament, cabinet ministers, foreign dignitaries, and senior officials from organisations that contributed to the terminal’s development, including the Saudi Fund for Development, Kuwait Fund, Abu Dhabi Fund, and OPEC Fund.
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