Airlines Endorse Velana’s New Terminal as Game-Changer for Passenger Experience

International airline operators have hailed Velana International Airport’s New Passenger Terminal as a major leap forward for Maldivian aviation, confirming that the upcoming facility will deliver world-class service standards for travelers flying to and from the Maldives.

The endorsement comes following a series of extensive operational trials held this month as part of the final preparations for the terminal’s official opening on July 26. The trials comprehensively assessed the entire passenger journey—from check-in and baggage handling to boarding and arrivals—ensuring all systems meet global standards of efficiency and comfort.

Representatives from leading international carriers operating to VIA participated in the trials and observed the functionality of the terminal’s cutting-edge infrastructure.

“Airlines have long awaited world-class service standards in the Maldives,” said Munaz Ali, Chairman of the Airlines Operators Committee and Airport Manager for Etihad Airways. “The New Terminal will deliver this level of service, and airlines are extremely pleased with this development.”

Echoing the sentiment, Ahmed Nahushan Nizar, Vice Chairman of the Airlines Operators Committee and Airport Service Manager for Qatar Airways, said the terminal would redefine the country’s international image. “With the New Terminal, the Maldives will be prominently showcased to visiting passengers. This will provide a distinctly different experience for travelers,” he said.

Malaysia Airlines’ Station Manager, Ahmed Hanam Faiz, praised MACL’s efforts in ensuring accessibility and readiness. “MACL has facilitated comprehensive access to the terminal's full capabilities for all citizens. The New Terminal will be complete, beautiful, passenger-friendly, and thoroughly modern,” he affirmed.

The trials confirmed the terminal’s operational readiness across multiple domains, including seamless check-in systems, improved passenger movement pathways, enhanced baggage management, modern boarding using aerobridges, and upgraded customs and arrivals procedures.

The strong show of support from airline partners highlights the close collaboration between Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) and the broader aviation community. It also underscores the terminal’s capability to meet the increasing demand for high-quality travel infrastructure in one of the world’s most sought-after tourist destinations.

As MACL enters the final stage of preparation, the New Passenger Terminal is set to mark a historic milestone in the country’s aviation history—ushering in a new era of convenience, efficiency, and international excellence for travelers visiting the Maldives.