The new runway at Velana International Airport (VIA) has become officially operational, as of 05th October 2022.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) Mr. Mahujoob Shujau, said with the new runway coming into effective operation, the airport venue will pick momentum.
The tarmac was one of the major redevelopment components of VIA expansion plan. The plan was launched during former president Abdulla Yameen’s administration.
While the runway opened in 2018, it did not become operational owing to old seaplane terminal blocking access. The old terminal has been fully dismantled, with new seaplane terminal becoming fully operational in 2022.
According to the MACL front man, the old runway will transition into a taxiway.
The new runway was installed by China’s Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG), through a China EXIM Bank loan. The entire project, inclusive of other redevelopment aspects; which include new passenger terminal, seaplane terminal, fuel farm and other elements amount to USD452 million.
According to MACL Chairman Mr. Mohamed Umar Manik, with the new runway and taxiway, airport’s overall operations will greatly pick up pace. He also envisioned the airport to become a major aviation hub in the region.
The new runway measures 3,400 meters in length and 60 meters in width. The tarmac is designed to accommodate larger commercial aircraft, such as the Airbus A380s.
Speaking about the new runway’s contribution, Mr. Shujau said, “Airport’s throughput will increase from 8 to 12, while landing intervals will reduce from 10 minutes to 3 minutes.”