Terminal 1 seaplane shift exposes chaos as new check-in counters fail resort representatives

The relocation of seaplane services to Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport (VIA) has exposed significant shortcomings, demonstrating that the newly established check-in counters have delivered no meaningful benefit to resort representatives.

Although the process of shifting seaplane operations to the new terminal began around 25 December 2025, several issues have surfaced during the transition.

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) had earlier stated that it was fully prepared for the move, noting that dedicated bus routes had been established to transport checked-in passengers to the seaplane terminal.

Alongside the designation of these bus routes, MACL also allocated the South Parking Zone near Arrival Gate 4 of the new terminal exclusively for seaplane operators and MACL staff buses.

Reliable sources who spoke to RaajjeMV confirmed that the migration of seaplane services to the new terminal has been ongoing since late December.

As of now, the operations of Manta Air, FlyMe, Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), and Maldivian have all been relocated to the new facility.

However, an industry insider told this news outlet that organizational arrangements remain chaotic.

He noted that there has so far been a lack of proper planning, including the failure to allocate suitable spaces for resort counters.

With more than 200 resort representatives currently working at the airport, the absence of storage facilities for files and essential documents has created serious difficulties.

Although relevant authorities had pledged to provide lockers to ease the burden on representatives due to the lack of counters in the new terminal, these commitments have yet to be honored.

For more than a week, resort representatives have been operating without any designated space to store their signage and other essential equipment.

Beyond these logistical challenges, the severe lack of space at the airport has caused extreme difficulties overall.

Despite repeated complaints, no practical solution has been implemented. The situation has reportedly worsened with the installation of a ‘Dhovemi’ gift shop shop in the area, which has further reduced the already limited available space.

According to the same source, there have been instances where domestic passengers could not be transported on schedule, and even business class clients have at times faced delays exceeding an hour, adding to the growing list of operational issues.

The new terminal at VIA officially began operations on 26 July 2025. The facility includes 24 dedicated check-in counters specifically allocated for seaplane services.

The Maldives is home to the largest seaplane operation in the world.