VIA parking remains closed as MACL studies new zones

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) said on Tuesday that it is currently conducting a study to demarcate parking zones at Velana International Airport (VIA) in anticipation of the new terminal's opening, necessitating the establishment of a parking area at a specific distance from the facility.

Parking at VIA's designated zones was temporarily suspended on July 17 in preparation for the new terminal's inauguration on July 26, coinciding with Independence Day. Despite the new terminal being operational for nearly a month, the public parking zone remains closed.

When questioned about the reopening of the parking zone, a MACL media officer stated that efforts are underway to make the area in front of the new terminal accessible. Currently, MACL employees and airport representatives are permitted to park on the eastern side of the new terminal.

The official emphasized the importance of opening a new parking zone in conjunction with the new terminal and upgraded services. "We have upgraded the service and everything. We can't have a parking zone within a certain area of the airport terminal, so we have begun conducting studies on how it can be done," the official remarked.

In addition to arranging parking zones for MACL employees on the east side of the new terminal, the official also mentioned an increase in internal bus services. However, concerns were raised regarding potential difficulties for individuals visiting the airport for other matters, such as handing over items to departing passengers.

"But overall, about 99 percent of the airport users will have a lot of arrangements in the parking zone," the official reassured.

Some MACL employees have expressed apprehension regarding the delayed opening of the parking zones following the new terminal's grand inauguration. An employee previously informed Sun that the parking zone in front of the new terminal, historically used by airport employees and commuters for motorcycles and cars, has yet to reopen.

Currently, airport personnel rely on ferries or buses for their commute. For those arriving by motorcycle, a designated parking area is available midway along the highway, with a connecting bus service to their workplace.

A Facebook post addressing the situation highlighted that if the airport bus is full or missed, airport workers face taxi fares ranging from MVR 70 to MVR 80. The individual contended that airport operators should not be subjected to such hardship simply to access their workplace.