Male’, Maldives, 7th January 2024 – The Maldivian government’s extensive project to enhance Velana International Airport (VIA) involves relocating the seaplane terminal and operations to Furanafushi, currently occupied by the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon & Spa. This relocation will include constructing facilities for three water runways, accommodating up to five seaplane operators.
In addition to relocating the seaplane terminal, the plans include constructing a new domestic terminal capable of accommodating 2,000 passengers per hour, a significant increase from the current capacity of 300 per hour. Furthermore, a separate terminal for low-cost carriers is set to accommodate 1,000 passengers per hour.
Expansions will also cover support facilities, such as enlarging the fuel farm from 15 million to 45 million litres and further to 100 million litres. Cargo handling capacity is projected to surge from 100 thousand metric tonnes to 300,000 metric tonnes in the upcoming phase.
The development plan includes establishing a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility compliant with EASA standards. Additionally, a special economic zone for VIA on Funadhoo Island will serve as a transit hub, featuring modern amenities like transit hotels, shopping centres, and restaurants, connected to the main airport via a monorail system.
