President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday visited the new terminal at Velana International Airport to assess its development.

Accompanied by cabinet ministers and senior Government officials, the President was briefed by the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) and The Saudi Bin Laden Group, the construction firm behind the project.

The new terminal, which is set to handle seven million passengers annually, will address the capacity constraints of the existing terminal, which currently serves 1.5 million passengers. With tourist arrivals expected to reach two million this year, the new terminal will alleviate overcapacity issues at the airport.

President Dr Muizzu highlighted the importance of improving air connectivity within the Maldives to enhance public transport and support the growing tourism industry. The new terminal, spanning 78,000 square metres, will feature modern facilities, including aerobridges, advanced baggage handling systems, retail outlets, lounges, and food services.

The terminal is expected to be operational by October 2025, marking a significant boost to the country’s tourism infrastructure. The development is also part of wider efforts to improve air travel, with the national carrier expanding its international network and introducing its first wide-body aircraft to accommodate more global flights.