(MALDIVES) The new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport opened on July 26, 2025, lifting annual capacity to 7–7.5 million passengers. International flights by the national carrier, Maldivian, are already using the facility, with other airlines shifting from September.
Why this matters now
The opening aligns with the 60th anniversary of Maldivian independence and addresses long-standing crowding that hurt travel during peak months.
With more gates, aerobridges, and e-gates, the airport promises faster, smoother arrivals for tourists and residents.
Key changes at the terminal
The terminal spans 72,000–78,000 square meters and introduces features long expected by airlines and travelers:
- 12 aerobridges (a first for the Maldives) and 6 boarding gates
- 47 traditional check-in counters, 24 seaplane counters, and 6 self-service kiosks
- 20 departure and 28 arrival immigration counters, plus e-gates
- Advanced baggage system with real-time tracking, 5 claim belts plus 1 for oversized items
- 41 elevators, 14 escalators, and 4 travellators to speed movement
Design details reflect local culture, including wave and cloud ceiling patterns and a replica of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar’s seal. The operator, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), says this blend of capacity and character sets a new standard for the islands.
Faster immigration and transfers
MACL reports that aerobridges, new lanes, and e-gates cut the time from aircraft door to terminal entry from about 28 minutes to 8 minutes during typical flows. That improvement matters when daily arrivals exceed 12,000 in high season.
What travelers should expect now:
- International arrivals on Maldivian are processed in the new terminal today; other carriers join in phases from September 2025, with full transition by late 2025.
- More immigration counters and e-gates mean shorter queues, especially for families and tour groups.
- Dedicated seaplane check-in reduces back-and-forth for resort transfers.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the extra counters and e-gates should ease stress during the “surge hours” common to resort check-in and checkout cycles.
Entry steps you can take before flying
To speed your journey through Velana International Airport:
- Complete the Maldives Traveller Declaration (IMUGA) within the required window before arrival and again before departure. Submit it at the official portal: https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/
- Check current entry rules directly with Maldives Immigration for passport, visa-on-arrival eligibility, and airline requirements: https://immigration.gov.mv
- Keep resort or guesthouse booking details and return travel information handy for border questions.
- If you have a tight seaplane transfer, inform your hotel and airline so they can guide you to the right counters on arrival.
Note: Many nationalities receive a 30-day visa on arrival, but exceptions exist. The official sources above provide the latest rules and any updates.
Tourism and the wider economy
As of June 2025, the Maldives had already welcomed over 1 million visitors, up 9.5% year-on-year, with a government target of 2.2 million for the full year. The top source markets are China, Russia, the UK, Italy, and Germany, which together make up nearly half of all arrivals. About 71.6% of guests choose resorts, while the rest stay in guesthouses, hotels, or liveaboards.
A larger terminal that can serve 7–7.5 million passengers supports:
- More direct air links (already 42 as of June 2025)
- Growth in family travel, wellness retreats, and adventure trips
- Expansion of the MICE segment (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions), which needs predictable schedules and space
Put simply, more seats and faster processing bring more choice for travelers and more business for local islands.
Voices from the launch
- President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu called the terminal “a symbol of national progress and a catalyst for economic development.”
- MMPRC chief Ibrahim Shiuree said the facility will help deliver a better travel experience and support the drive to reach new markets.
- MACL leaders point to the cultural design and new systems as key to keeping Maldivian tourism fit for the future.
Who benefits first
- Tourists arriving on Maldivian now get the full experience: aerobridges, e-gates, and easier transfers to resorts and seaplanes.
- Families and travelers with mobility needs gain from the extra elevators, escalators, and wide paths.
- Tour operators can plan tighter schedules around quicker turnaround times.
As other carriers move in from September 2025, a growing share of visitors will see the improvements firsthand.
How the project came together
- The original terminal opened in 1981 for about 1 million passengers a year, but it was handling over 4 million in recent years, causing chronic crowding.
- The upgrade began in 2016 under MACL, with construction by the Saudi Bin Laden Group.
- Funding came from the Saudi Fund for Development, Kuwait Fund, Abu Dhabi Fund, and the OPEC Fund.
- Successive governments backed the plan, and the grand opening was marked by the country’s largest drone show, fireworks, and live island broadcasts.
A traveler’s day-one scenario
A family of four lands on a morning Maldivian flight. The jet parks at an aerobridge, avoiding the hot tarmac. They reach immigration in minutes, choose the e-gate lane where available, and collect bags from one of the five belts.
One parent heads to the dedicated seaplane counters to confirm the transfer while the other keeps the children nearby. With clearer signage and more space, they make their resort flight without stress—even on a busy day.
What’s next
- Other international airlines start moving to the new terminal from September 2025.
- Full terminal use for all carriers is planned by late 2025.
- More lounges, retail, and food options will roll out over time.
Industry watchers expect the expanded gateway to help the Maldives host larger events and retain its position among luxury beach destinations.
Practical takeaways
- The new VIA terminal is open and operational for Maldivian international flights now.
- Capacity is up to 7–7.5 million passengers a year, easing peak-time strain.
- Submit the Traveller Declaration on IMUGA before travel and check rules at Maldives Immigration for the latest entry guidance.
- If you plan a tight connection to a seaplane or domestic hop, tell your hotel and airline in advance.
The Maldives built the new terminal to make arrivals smoother and to support steady growth. With clearer flows, more lanes, and modern systems, travelers should feel the difference from the moment the aircraft door opens.
This Article in a Nutshell
Velana’s new terminal, opened July 26, 2025, boosts capacity to 7–7.5 million. Maldivian already operates internationally there; other carriers move from September. With 12 aerobridges, expansive immigration counters, e-gates, and advanced baggage tracking, arrivals become faster and transfers to seaplanes smoother for families and tour operators.
