INIA changes name to Velana International

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has changed the name of Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (INIA) to Velana International Airport today.

The President’s Office said that the airport would be re-branded with the new name starting from 1 January 2017.

A statement from the President’s Office said that the current name of the airport is in the honor of the late President Ibrahim Naasir Rannabandeyri Kilegefaanu, who was a key figure in acquiring the political independence of the country and has done numerous work for the development of the country and the name “Velana” belongs to him. And to keep the name of the airport in his honor, the President and the cabinet decided to re-brand with Velana.

The decision was made after Cabinet consultations; focusing on the transformation of the airport in line with the Administration's economic vision.

Deciding to build an airport in the Maldives, then Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir began the construction of one at the island of Hulhulé on 1 May 1964.

"First developed pursuant to a deceleration on 1st May 1964, the establishment of an airport proved significant in developing and cementing several key foreign relations while also enhancing the country's economy. With the active involvement of a large number of public, the then Prime Minister Sumuvvul Ameer Ibrahim Nasir Rannabandeyrikilegefaanu played a critical role in realizing the airport."