Amid ongoing public debate and competing claims from former leaders over the development of Velana International Airport’s (VIA) new passenger terminal, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu highlighted the major challenges he inherited upon taking office, while acknowledging the contributions of his predecessors.

On the eighth episode of the Rayyithunnaa Eku podcast aired today, the President acknowledged his predecessors’ efforts in developing Velana International Airport, noting that these contributions are part of the airport’s institutional history. He cited the hard work during the Nasir administration to establish the airport and the development efforts led by the Gayoom administration, including securing funds for upgrades, as tangible examples.

The President said credit should be given where due, explaining that work on the terminal began during the Yameen administration and continued under the Solih administration.

“Construction of the new terminal commenced under the Yameen administration and continued throughout President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s tenure. Upon assuming office, we completed the remaining work in approximately one and a half years,” he said, acknowledging their contributions.

“Those who fact-check can clearly see the extent of work carried out under each administration. Does anyone truly need to claim that all or most of the work was done during their own tenure? I find such claims juvenile and believe this is not how we should conduct ourselves,” the President added.

Noting that his first official site visit after taking office was to Velana International Airport, the President said completing the project has remained a top priority. He expressed satisfaction that the work is expected to be finished by Independence Day, despite this being later than the previously announced date.

During the visit, he assessed progress from an engineer’s perspective and observed that, although the structure and façade were complete, significant interior work remained. He also noted that many tasks related to the project’s scope had yet to be assigned.

One critical task was the construction of the head-of-stand road leading to the terminal, essential for efficient vehicle and passenger flow. The President said it was his Administration that commissioned the task, which is now nearing completion.

While 57 per cent of the terminal’s work had been completed at the time, the President noted that the duty-free area had not been fully assigned and was only scheduled for cement finishing. Additional work on the duty-free area was later commissioned by the current Administration and is expected to be partially completed by Independence Day, with full completion targeted for September.

Reiterating his respect for the efforts of previous administrations, the President emphasised that his focus has been on the situation he inherited upon taking office.

He also added that as VIA prepares to officially open the new terminal, renovation and repair work on existing infrastructure — such as the old runway — has already begun.

Looking ahead, the President forecast positive outcomes from the new terminal, including improvements in tourism and the country’s overall economic progress. He described the airport as the most important asset of the Maldivian economy.