The new passenger terminal in Velana International Airport (VIA) currently in development, will increment the annual passenger movement of the airport venue to 7.2 million, according to Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
The Maldives head of state made the affirmation during his speech at the Golden Jubilee Awards at Kurumba Maldives resort, hosted by Maldives Association for Tourism Industry (MATI).
In his speech, the Maldives President addressed on restrictive measures taken by the government amid the Covid-19 pandemic that affected the aviation industry of the country.
Restrictive measures by the state had included cancellation of several international carriers, border closure for a duration of three months which resulted in a complete shutdown of the aviation sector.
The border closure and complete shutdown of aviation sector impacted tourist arrivals, resulting in a decline of the island nation’s economic activities.
Moreover, President Solih commends the state decision of reopening borders in 2020 following the three-month closure, which contributed towards strong and robust recovery of the tourism sector.
Tourism industry in terms of tourist arrivals improved significantly in 2021, which had continued into 2022 with improvements in arrival figures reflected at a month-on-month basis.
However, the surge in tourism activities in terms of tourist avenues and properties is challenged with the lack of passenger capacity in the main gateway of Maldives; Velana International Airport.
President Solih addressed on the development hiatus experienced at the country’s airport amid the Covid-19 pandemic, which has since resumed.
In addition to the new passenger terminal at VIA, the government is also focused in developing regional and other domestic airports across Maldives to further integrate domestic aviation routes for tourists.
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) earlier reported the new passenger terminal will be completed by the end 2024. The developer however, adds the structural framework of the new terminal is completed.
The new passenger terminal spans an area of 78,000 square-meters with latest state-of-the-art of facilities and services. The project initially commenced under the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen, in 2018.