New terminal: Visually striking with five-star services

Some were wiping sweat from their foreheads, while others tried to cool off by fanning themselves with their hands. Velana International Airport (VIA), the main gateway to the Maldives, was teeming with passengers. Even during the offseason, the airport sees no respite.

Crowds filled every direction, highlighting the challenges in service delivery and underscoring the urgent need for an alternative.

The challenges in service delivery at VIA’s existing international terminal have long been a major concern for tourism industry stakeholders and airport staff. However, the soon-to-be-opened new international terminal is equipped with modern technology and enhanced services aimed at resolving these issues.

From strikingly stunning architecture to upgraded services

The development of the new terminal, funded by Saudi Fund, was awarded to Saudi Binladin Group in 2016, during former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom’s administration.

As the new international terminal is being prepped for inauguration after years of work, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL)’s staff are undertaking the final preparations for it. In this regard, the staff are engaged in completing the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) process, which is mandatory before the terminal is operationalized.

Hence, at present, Maldivians can only admire the terminal from outside. Its architectural design, influenced by Maldivian culture and heritage, features wave-like structures and exterior walls that resemble intricate carvings seen in historic mosques.

Sun’s journalist who visited the new terminal as part a press tour got to experience the striking beauty of the interior of the new terminal. The flooring resembles a beach with shades of white and sea blue, while the ceiling design evokes the motion of rolling waves.

Much like the exterior, the interior pillars and walls of the terminal reflect Maldivian culture and heritage, showcasing intricate designs inspired by Maldivian craftworks.

Though visually impressive, the true significance of the new terminal lies in the improvements it brings to service quality and efficiency — a difference the journalist experienced firsthand.

The new terminal is truly an “international” terminal. Both terminals are connected by a long walkway.

An easier and less time consuming departure process

Passengers, upon entering the terminal for departure, would first need to undergo check-in — a standard practice at airports worldwide. The new terminal includes 47 check-in counters, which will eliminate queues arising from limited counters due to space constraints. This saves a lot of time for passengers.

At the old terminal, passengers first had to complete aviation security process. Check-in came second, after clearing baggage. This is due to the fact that the terminal lacked an automatic baggage screening system.

Following check-in, passengers proceed to Immigration clearance. The spacious area has been allocated in the terminal for this process, offering passengers some relief from the usual congestion.

A total of 20 Immigration counters have been installed to provide services to outbound passengers.

The new terminal also had a duty-free area and restaurants.

Given the expansive size of the new terminal, passengers are required to cover a considerable distance during the departure process. To ease this, the terminal has been equipped with four travelators and 14 escalators for added convenience.

“This is a waiting area for outbound passengers. The chairs installed here have a charging feature for phones,” an MACL official said while showing the press an area with a large number of chairs.

The passengers would board the plane after leaving the waiting area. The waiting area features large windows that offer a breathtaking view of planes on the runway.

“The passengers would not need to wait for bus and can easily access their plane from the aero bridges. No rain, no shine. No need to wait for a bus either,” the official detailed.

The new terminal is equipped with 15 aero bridges.

Exemplary services for inbound passengers as well

While convenient, comfortable, and efficient services have been arranged for outbound passengers at the new terminal, comparable provisions have also been made for inbound passengers.  In this regard, the services for inbound passengers at the new terminal will be significantly more convenient and quicker compared to the old terminal.

A total of 28 Immigration counters have been installed at the new terminal to serve inbound passengers.

The baggage claim area is undoubtedly one of the busiest spots in any airport. This was a significant issue at the old terminal, which had limited baggage belts because of space constraints.

One of the standout improvements in the new terminal is the upgraded baggage claim service. Four baggage belts have been installed in a spacious area, which is expected to double the efficiency of baggage handling compared to the current setup. This enhancement will also allow multiple airlines to be served simultaneously during peak travel season.

A revolutionary change to tourism and the economy

The largest economic industry in the Maldives is tourism. Maldives, a popular tourist destination across the world, sees tourist arrivals increase year by tear.

The new terminal is designed to accommodate 7.5 passengers per year. All areas of the new terminal are set to open with its inauguration next Saturday.

“It is not just a part of the terminal that is being opened, it is a whole terminal that is being opened,” MACL official said.

Prior to this, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had stated that the only unfinished section of the new terminal at the time of its inauguration would be the duty-free area. He assured that this remaining work is expected to be completed by September.

The new terminal will initially cater to the national airline, Maldivian, with gradual expansion to international carriers. Despite the inauguration of the new terminal, MACL has no plans to discontinue the use of the old terminal.

With its strikingly beautiful visuals and high quality services, the new terminal truly deserves a five-star rating.