MACL Conducts Familiarization Tours of New VIA Terminal for Airline Representatives

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has organized special tours of the new international terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) for 45 representatives from 36 international airlines currently operating in the Maldives. The initiative is part of the airport’s Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) process ahead of the terminal’s phased opening.

The tours aim to acquaint airline personnel with the terminal's layout, operations, and passenger flow to ensure a smooth transition and efficient service delivery. In addition to airline representatives, MACL is conducting similar orientation tours for general aviation agents, government authorities, ferry operators, taxi services, resort representatives, and guesthouse associations.

So far, MACL has completed tours for 36 airlines, seven general aviation agents, Maldives Immigration, Maldives National Air Traffic Services (MNATS), and more than 1,000 MACL employees. Upcoming tours are scheduled for three additional airlines, two general aviation agents, and 10 key stakeholders.

The new terminal is set to open on July 26, coinciding with Maldives Independence Day, with an initial operational capacity limited to 1,000 passengers per day for the first three months. During this period, MACL will assess performance, gather feedback, and make operational adjustments before expanding services to include wide-body aircraft operations.

The initial launch will cater exclusively to Maldivians’ international flights, with the terminal opening to other airlines after a two-week review period.