The Maldives Airports Company Ltd (MACL) has conducted special orientation tours of the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) for 36 airlines and more than 1,000 MACL employees, as part of preparations ahead of its official opening on July 26.

The tours are part of the mandatory Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) process, aimed at familiarising airline personnel and key stakeholders with the terminal’s operations and facilities to ensure a smooth transition once the terminal becomes operational.

In addition to airlines, MACL has hosted tours for general aviation agents, Maldives Immigration, Maldives National Air Traffic Service (MNATS), and other stakeholders. Further sessions are planned for three airlines, two general aviation agents, and ten additional entities, including government bodies, resorts, taxi operators, ferry services, and guesthouse associations.

MACL, in collaboration with Modalis, a globally recognised expert in airport operations, is working to ensure the terminal meets international benchmarks for safety, efficiency, and service quality. The company is adopting a phased, low-risk operational launch, starting with Maldivian Airlines before expanding to other international carriers.

The new terminal is designed to accommodate up to 7.5 million passengers annually, and features modern infrastructure such as airbridges, six self-check-in kiosks, an automated baggage handling system, and a visual docking guidance system.