Modalis, the firm overseeing Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) for the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA), has confirmed that physical trials are currently underway to familiarise staff with the terminal’s equipment.

The Maldives Airports Company (MACL) is working in close consultation with Modalis, a globally recognised firm specialising in airport operations, to ensure the new terminal meets international standards for safety, efficiency, and service quality.

In a message released by the MACL on X, the ORAT Project Manager at Modalis, Rob Williams, stated that they are assisting the MACL in making sure that the new terminal at VIA is as risk-free as possible. 

According to Williams, planning for the new terminal began in March. Since then, the team has been assessing how well staff, stakeholders, and facilities are coordinating to ensure full readiness for the terminal’s opening.

To ensure staff readiness, the Modalis team has been conducting exercises to familiarise employees with the layout of the new terminal, including how to navigate the building, reach their designated work areas, and understand their roles on opening day. Trials have also begun with key equipment, such as X-ray machines, to ensure staff are fully trained in operating them and following the correct procedures.

Williams stated that in the coming weeks, full-scale trials will be conducted using live aircraft at the stands and volunteers acting as passengers, to ensure that staff and stakeholders are fully prepared. 

He added that when the terminal opens on July 26, operations will follow a low-risk, phased approach, starting with Maldivian Airlines and gradually expanding to include other international carriers.

Designed to handle up to 7.5 million passengers annually, the new terminal at Velana International Airport will be equipped with state-of-the-art features, including airbridges, six self-check-in kiosks, an automated baggage handling system, and a visual docking guidance system.