Velana International Airport’s (VIA) new VIP/CIP has commenced operation today.
The new VIP/CIP terminal developed by China’s BUCG company had its first visitors with state officials and foreign minister of China Wang Yi using the services of the new terminal today. Wang Yi is set to officially open the VIP terminal although the majority of the services has already commenced today.
After the completion of the first phase of development of the new VIP/CIP terminal , VIA will be boosted by luxury amenities available at the terminal compared to the previous VIP terminal at Maamahi Lounge. The terminal is set to have the latest facilities along with more privacy-inclusive services.
As part of the previous administration’s 1 billion dollar project to upgrade VIA, the new VIP terminal can now serve up to 95 passengers compared to 65 at the previous terminal. The new terminal which has four floors has a separate area tailored to serve high ranking state officials. Moreover, the building will have separate areas for Customs and Immigration to operate its services.
The second phase of development will commence by taking down the old VIP terminal. After the completion of the second phase, it will be the best VIP/CIP terminal in the region according to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).
The VIA’s whole development project is estimated to cost around USD 1 billion with the construction of a new 3,400 meter runway, new passenger terminal, cargo terminal, fuel hangar, and a new seaplane terminal.
