Record number of jets to arrive in Maldives for New Year

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) reports record number of private jets will be arriving in Maldivian national airport, Velana International Airport for New Year.

It is normal for the wealthy to arrive in their private jets for vacation in Maldives for New Year, but many have to be diverted to neighboring countries due to lack of space at Velana International Airport.

Associate General Manager of MACL, Hassan Areef reported to “Sun” this Tuesday that the ongoing work to increase the capacity of VIA and modernize the airport meant a record number of private jets will be landing in VIA for the New Year, this time.

“There’ll be 53 jets at the airport on January 1. This is a record number. There’s enough space to accommodate them now,” said Areef.

He noted that the influx of private jets will mean a boost in the income earned by the airport.

Many of the rich and famous have already arrived in Maldives for New Year, including footballer David Beckam and his family.

The airport development project is scheduled to be complete within 2018; it includes a new international passenger terminal and a new runway.