Velana International Airport’s New Terminal to Open July 26 with Maldivian Airbus Operations

A transformative chapter in Maldivian aviation is about to begin as Velana International Airport (VIA) prepares to open its long-awaited new international terminal on July 26, 2025. The new terminal will first welcome operations from Maldivian Airlines’ Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft.

The terminal’s launch will unfold in three key phases:

• Phase 1A (July 26, 2025): Maldivian Airlines begins operations with A320 and A330 aircraft.

• Phase 1B (Mid-August 2025): Over nine international airlines are expected to transition to the new terminal.

• Phase 2 (By September 2025): Full airline migration completed.

  
  

Notably, floatplane check-in will continue at the existing terminal until the end of September 2025.

Spanning 78,000 square meters, the new terminal at Velana International Airport significantly increases annual passenger capacity to 7–7.5 million, marking a transformative upgrade from current levels. It features 38 immigration counters and 40 gates, including more than six aerobridges, along with self-service check-in kiosks, self-bag drop facilities, and an advanced automated baggage handling system.

With the first flights set to depart from the new terminal in just weeks, the Maldives is poised to offer travelers a world-class arrival experience that matches the beauty of its islands.