The opening of the new international terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) has been postponed until mid-2025 following advice from the Airline Operators Committee (AOC).

During a parliamentary committee meeting, the Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, confirmed that while a large part of the terminal has been completed, the Airline Operators Committee (AOC) advised postponing the opening to prevent potential disruptions from unresolved technical issues.

While 82 per cent of the terminal’s construction has been finished, the decision was made to reschedule the opening to June or July of next year, rather than rushing to open part of the terminal in time for this year’s tourism season.

The AOC, a crucial advisory body at every airport, includes representatives from airlines operating in the Maldives and is mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Its role is to provide expert guidance on operational matters.

Although the Government had initially planned to open part of the terminal to coincide with the tourism season, the delay is now seen as the best course of action to ensure a smoother and more efficient transition once the terminal is fully operational.

The completion of the new terminal is expected to significantly improve the airport's capacity and services, catering to the increasing number of tourists visiting the Maldives.