News: Maldives Opens New Terminal at Velana International Airport

Velana International Airport has marked a milestone in the Maldives’ aviation history with the inauguration of its new Terminal 1 on 26 July 2025, a date chosen to coincide with the nation’s 60th Independence Day.

26th July 2025

Velana International Airport has marked a milestone in the Maldives’ aviation history with the inauguration of its new Terminal 1 on 26 July 2025, a date chosen to coincide with the nation’s 60th Independence Day. The $585 million terminal welcomed its first passengers that same day and will see all airlines transfer operations over the next three months. Designed to handle up to 7.5 million passengers annually, the sleek, modern facility is set to elevate the travel experience and strengthen the Maldives’ position as a world-class tourism hub.

The grand opening concluded with a breathtaking display of 1,500 synchronised drones, creating vivid imagery that paid tribute to Maldivian heritage, celebrated independence and projected a sense of optimism for the country’s future