New terminal still incomplete despite grand ceremony and high costs
The new terminal building at VIA remains significantly incomplete despite its grand inauguration
The fireworks display as part of the vibrant opening ceremony of VIA's new terminal building, received criticism from many.
It has come to light that the work on the new terminal building at Velana International Airport (VIA), which was unveiled with much fanfare, fireworks and a multimillion-Rufiyaa price tag, remains incomplete.
A source familiar with the progress of the terminal project, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the government inaugurated the new terminal building at a time when significant portions of the work remained unfinished.
The source revealed that while there are 12 aerobridges, many sections of the terminal are still incomplete, and that only a limited area is currently operational.
Despite the official opening, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has confirmed that the new terminal is presently servicing only Maldivian Airlines.
According to the source, it could take several more months before the terminal is fully completed and becomes fully operational.
MACL has announced that the new terminal is expected to begin servicing additional airlines by the end of September.
While the bulk of construction on the terminal was completed during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration, efforts have been made to present the project as a flagship achievement of the current government.
The terminal's inauguration ceremony featured fireworks, drone shows, and theatrical performances, with drones forming the message, “Thank you President Dr. Muizzu” in the sky, a gesture that sparked debate both online and offline.
Several social media users criticized the event’s extravagance, calling it an unnecessary display of opulence at a time when the Maldivian economy is under duress. Some expressed frustration that such resources were spent on a grand ceremony while the country struggles to meet basic public needs and faces mounting debt repayments amid a fragile global economic climate.
Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) confirmed that fireworks were launched from 19 locations across Malé City during the inauguration of the new terminal at VIA. The display, which lasted six minutes, was set off from 16 sea-based sites and three areas near the airport.
While large crowds gathered to witness the show, many spectators expressed disappointment, describing it as underwhelming.
"I've never seen such a disappointing fireworks show," said one attendee.
The display was also criticized for producing heavy smoke that obscured much of the visuals. Some onlookers remarked that the thick smoke resembled a fire more than a celebration.
“It looked like a fire had broken out somewhere,” one viewer wrote in a social media comment, echoing the general sentiment online.
The new terminal building inaugurated by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during Saturday night’s ceremony was developed by the Saudi Bin Laden Group, with financial support from the Saudi Arabian government and the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID). A Singapore-based consultancy firm was also involved in overseeing the project.
Once fully completed, the terminal is expected to significantly expand Velana International Airport’s passenger handling capacity. The departure hall will feature 47 check-in counters, with plans to install six self-service kiosks to improve efficiency.
For outbound travelers, the terminal will offer more than 20 immigration counters and six automated e-gates. On the arrivals side, passengers will be processed through 28 immigration counters and seven e-gates, streamlining entry procedures and reducing wait times.
