Maldives opens new airport passenger terminal with phenomenal increase in capacity
MALE – A new state-of-the art passenger terminal was opened at the Velana International Airport in the Maldives last Saturday, sharply increasing passenger capacity and set to exponentially drive tourist traffic to its exotic sun-kissed islands.
At the night event, Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, welcoming special invitees including funding countries Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, said the new development was a bold step forward in the country’s development. “The new passenger terminal will not only serve as a catalyst for growth in tourism but also to its economy,” he said. Tourism accounts for nearly 50 per cent of the country’ revenue and is also one of the largest employers at nearly 200 resorts. The new terminal is expected to increase tourist arrivals from targeted 2.3 million this year.
The country manager of a global DMC said the new terminal will improve the guest experience and allow the Maldives to serve more tourists better as the old terminal during peak times was a challenge. “This airport expansion was needed if not overdue. I believe once all the airlines move it will provide the best experience guests can expect when they arrive,” the official, who declined to be named, said.
The new terminal, which is the largest building in the Maldives, can accommodate 7.5 million passengers per year, a sharp rise from a capacity of 1.5 million at the old terminal. The development coincides with other changes in the airport including the expansion of the runway to accommodate larger aircraft including the A380.
For the moment, only narrow bodied aircraft will start using the terminal while wide bodied aircraft will be using it by September (as the peak season gets underway) after airline operators carry out an audit of the facilities which have followed the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Air Transport Association.
The new terminal which costs a total of nearly $585 million with construction being launched in 2016, has received concessional loans from Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and OPEC (in addition to the government’s own contribution) and provide for a payback in 15 years.
Currently there are 34 international airlines flying from 36 destinations with the new terminal growth expected to see more airlines flying in. There are currently 11,000 aircraft moments per day plus 9000 seaplane movements. The Maldives has the world’s largest seaplane operations with 86 aircraft.
Among the facilities at the new terminal are 12 aero bridges (which the old terminal didn’t have), 6 contact gates, an automated baggage capable of handling 3000 bags per hour, 90 check-in counters and six self-service kiosks which will expand to eight.
The outside facade of the building has been designed to reflect the flow of waves capturing the ocean – the Maldives premier product.
Hitad.lk has you covered with quality used or brand new cars for sale that are budget friendly yet reliable! Now is the time to sell your old ride for something more attractive to today's modern automotive market demands. Browse through our selection of affordable options now on Hitad.lk before deciding on what will work best for you!