Male’, Maldives, 11th July 2022 – Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has revealed glimpses of its new seaplane terminal at the Velana International Airport (VIA).
The new seaplane terminal is the first part of VIA’s project, the largest infrastructure project of its kind in the Maldives with a budget of USD 55 million. The second part is the seaplane maintenance facility or MRO. Both are located in the eastern lagoon area of the airport.
The new seaplane terminal was given high priority under the airport development project as the new runway can be opened once the current seaplane terminal is cleared. Hence, the new runway will start operating upon the opening of the new seaplane terminal.
This terminal is set to become the largest seaplane terminal in the world. To execute the project, over 35,000 sqm of land was reclaimed for the project and over 720 meters of sheet piling was done at the airport. The new seaplane terminal area is designed to accommodate more than 85 seaplanes on docks. This is 50% more than the existing docks. The modern 4-story terminal includes new facilities such as a VVIP area and dedicated arrival lobbies. The terminal’s 28,000 sqm of floor space allows for spacious lounges, extra boarding gates and a host of office spaces.
The terminal has been designed according to international standards with full NFPA fire compliances. According to MACL, this terminal will allow 4 operators to operate conveniently with ease. There are currently 3 seaplane operators in the Maldives: Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), Maldivian, and Manta Air.
