Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has announced the introduction of a temporary parking zone in front of Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport (VIA), effective from 14 September 2025.

The move comes in response to parking shortages currently faced by passengers, airport staff and other service providers.

In a statement, MACL noted that the parking area west of Terminal 1, which is currently in use, is not the safest option. Plans to upgrade parking facilities are included in the airport’s masterplan, but interim measures are being taken to ease immediate demand. The new zone in front of the terminal will serve as a short-term solution until more permanent facilities are completed.

On the east side of the airport, MACL is implementing additional measures to manage parking and traffic flow. These include the installation of a traffic light on the link road to improve access for vehicles from Malé and Hulhumalé, the expansion of bus services connecting the airport with the capital and Hulhumalé, and the extension of ferry services to VIA.

According to MACL, once the east side parking zone is fully completed, the temporary parking area at Terminal 1 will be relocated there. The east side zone will remain operational during this period to ensure uninterrupted parking availability.