The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has announced the introduction of a state-of-the-art three-dimensional baggage screening system at the new passenger terminal of Velana International Airport (VIA), marking the first time such technology is being used in the Maldives.
According to MACL, the new baggage handling system mirrors the advanced screening technology used at major airports like Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Singapore’s Changi Airport. The system is designed to handle up to 1,200 pieces of luggage per hour — equivalent to 20 bags per minute — and will feature a three-tier screening process, with 80 to 90 percent of the operations fully automated.
MACL highlighted that the current baggage screening process at VIA presents several challenges, including long queues outside the terminal and privacy concerns, as passengers are currently required to scan and occasionally open their luggage before reaching the check-in counters. The limitations of the existing single-tier screening system also contribute to passenger delays and congestion.
The new system will streamline these processes by eliminating the need to scan luggage before check-in. Passengers will instead proceed directly to one of the 47 check-in counters or six self-service kiosks in a more spacious terminal layout, reducing congestion and improving service speed.
Three-Tier Screening Process at the New Terminal:
Stage 1: Automated Screening
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Once checked in, luggage will pass through an automated screening system featuring four advanced CTX 3D screening machines, the first of their kind in the Maldives.
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Bags that raise any concerns during this initial screening will be sent to Stage 2.
Stage 2: Human Oversight
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At this stage, flagged items will be reviewed by officers from the Aviation Security Command (AVSECOM) and the Maldives Customs Service using a monitoring system.
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18 AVSECOM and 22 Customs screening tables will be available for detailed analysis.
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Cleared luggage will rejoin the standard route, while any items still under suspicion will proceed to Stage 3.
Stage 3: Final Inspection
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This final step involves detailed screening by AVSECOM officers using dual-view screening machines, similar to those currently in use.
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Six inspection stations will be available for this process.
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If prohibited items are suspected, the luggage will be opened in a designated area in the presence of the passenger. Once cleared, the bags will be ready for loading.
Improvements for Arriving Passengers:
The arrival process will also see significant upgrades. The new terminal will feature six luggage belts — compared to four in the existing terminal — improving the baggage claim process. High-speed machines will scan arriving luggage, significantly reducing passenger wait times, particularly during peak arrival periods.
Built to International Standards:
The development of the new terminal is aligned with global aviation standards set by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Maldives, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
An Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) team has been established to ensure full compliance with these standards, as well as regulations set by local authorities such as the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA), the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), and DASA.
About the New Terminal:
Spanning 72,000 square metres, the new terminal is designed to accommodate 7.5 million passengers annually. It features 47 check-in counters inspired by Maldivian culture, six self-check-in kiosks, and an additional 24 counters dedicated to seaplane passengers.
The new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport is scheduled to officially open on July 26, in celebration of Maldives Independence Day.