The Maldives airport revealed its massive new terminal recently, marking an important milestone in the country’s tourism infrastructure. Velana International Airport, previously known as Male International Airport, has doubled its passenger capacity through this impressive expansion.
The grand opening of the Velana terminal aligned perfectly with the country’s Independence Day celebrations, making it even more meaningful. As the main gateway to the Maldives’ world-renowned island resorts, this upgrade has revolutionized the visitor experience. Travelers can now expect a smoother journey with better amenities and services as more paradise-seekers continue to visit this stunning destination.
Maldives inaugurates Velana Airport terminal on Independence Day
Velana International Airport marked a historic milestone that coincided with the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day on July 26, 2025. The grand inauguration of its new terminal brought together President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, and nearly 6,000 guests.
The celebrations lit up the night sky with the Maldives’ largest drone show yet, followed by a spectacular 10-minute fireworks display from 19 locations throughout the capital region.
The timing to open the Male airport terminal was carefully considered. President Muizzu called it “the most important pillar to Maldivian economic independence.” Distinguished guests included cabinet ministers and representatives from major funding partners:
- Saudi Fund for Development
- Kuwait Fund
- Abu Dhabi Fund
- OPEC Fund
The terminal’s design captures Maldivian heritage beautifully, reflecting the nation’s seascapes, shores, and traditional hirigaa limestone carvings. Modern amenities include:
- 47 check-in counters
- 6 self-service kiosks
- 20 departure immigration counters
- 6 boarding gates
- 12 aerobridges
In his speech, the President also recognized former Presidents Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih for their contributions to this decade-long project.
New terminal doubles capacity and enhances passenger experience
The new terminal at Velana International Airport marks a revolutionary change in the Maldives’ aviation infrastructure. Covering 72,000 m², it can now handle 7.5 million passengers yearly—more than four times its previous capacity of 1.5 million.
Built at a cost of AED 1,678 million, the terminal introduces several groundbreaking features:
- 12 passenger boarding bridges, reducing aircraft exit time from 28–35 minutes to just 8 minutes
- 47 standard check-in counters plus 24 counters dedicated to seaplanes
- Immediate baggage tracking updates via a state-of-the-art system
- Improved e-gates and 20 departure immigration counters for faster processing
- Accessibility features: 41 elevators, 14 escalators, and 4 travellators
Throughout the terminal, walls showcase patterns inspired by stunning seascapes, while intricate stone carvings celebrate the nation’s rich Islamic heritage—offering travelers their first taste of Maldivian culture upon arrival.
Tourism sector anticipates boost from upgraded infrastructure
Maldives’ tourism leaders celebrate Velana International Airport’s terminal upgrade as the lifeblood of future industry growth. After welcoming 2 million visitors in 2024, the country has seen a 10 % increase to 1,165,933 travelers in just the first seven months of 2025.
“The new terminal will play a key role in realizing the Maldives’ tourism goals,” stated Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC). “It will open up many avenues for the economy and tourism.”
The expanded facilities enable the Maldives to target emerging tourism segments:
- Multi-generational family travel (up 90 % globally year-on-year)
- Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE)
- Wellness retreats
Strategic collaborations have been formed to maximize this investment, including new agreements with national airline Maldivian and telecom giant Ooredoo—reaching over 150 million global customers—alongside joint marketing initiatives with Emirates and Qatar Airways to improve air connectivity.
Conclusion
The spectacular new terminal at Velana International Airport marks a defining moment for Maldivian tourism. This architectural marvel balances modern efficiency with authentic cultural charm, reshaping the gateway to paradise.
Passengers will benefit from streamlined processes—cutting disembarkation times, speeding up immigration, and offering a true sense of Maldivian hospitality from the moment they arrive. Opened on Independence Day, it stands as a symbol of national pride and economic freedom, and lays the foundation for decades of sustainable tourism growth.
