Preparations for the grand opening of the new international terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) have led to major traffic disruptions, causing widespread delays and flight cancellations for departing passengers.

As such, an airport employee who spoke on the condition of anonymity told RaajjeMV that changes made to the traffic flow around the airport in connection with the event have led to severe congestion, with some passengers forced to wait in queues for up to an hour. As a result, several travelers have missed their check-in windows, prompting a surge in complaints from those who missed flights and were forced to return home.

The delays stem from road closures at the airport, which have significantly slowed down access. Currently, only one road is open for vehicles traveling to and from the terminal, further contributing to the bottleneck.

In addition to passengers missing flights, taxi drivers are also feeling the strain of the altered traffic flow around VIA, citing long wait times and significant income losses.

Drivers say that heavy congestion and restricted access routes have left them stuck in queues for extended periods, limiting the number of trips they can make in a day. Several taxi operators told this publication that under the current conditions, operating at the government-mandated flat rates for airport transfers is no longer viable.

Some drivers suggested shifting to an hourly fare model for airport trips to reflect the lost time and revenue. However, they acknowledged that such a change would likely face resistance from customers.

Drivers also pointed out that the ongoing road closures, including the shutdown of Malé’s prime access area to the airport, have compounded their challenges during this critical time.

"After picking up a passenger, we have to wait with the car for a long time until the trip is completed," one driver said. "We're not delayed because the airport is far, but because of these clever rules they’ve put in place."

As frustrations mount over flight cancellations and long delays at VIA, critics are pointing to a lack of proper planning and alternative access routes as the root cause of the chaos.

Sources familiar with airport operations say the entire traffic flow becomes severely congested during high-profile events, such as the upcoming inauguration of the new international terminal, because no effective measures are put in place to minimize disruption for regular travelers.

“There’s no reason why opening a new terminal at a functioning airport should bring everything to a halt,” one source said. “Where are the buses? The airport ferry service should be improved too, there are no viable alternatives for passengers trying to get to their flights.”

The absence of additional access routes and transport options has left many passengers stranded and forced to return home, unable to check in on time due to the bottleneck around the terminal.

A source familiar with the situation noted that while many people have come to rely on road travel to reach the airport, the procedures for using ferry services have not been clearly communicated. Further, ferry frequencies have not been increased to accommodate the surge in demand caused by current traffic restrictions.

He also highlighted growing frustration in Malé itself, where key parts of the city, particularly the number one area being closed off for several hours each day over the past four or five days. These closures have made it increasingly difficult for residents to move around or access essential services.