Maldives Airports Company (MACL) has revealed the new runway and seaplane terminal will speed up operations at Velana International Airport (VIA).
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the new runway and seaplane terminal at VIA, Managing Director of MACL Mahujoob Shujau said the newly developed runway at VIA is a historic step forward in the development of the main gateway of the Maldives. Noting the new runway was developed to meet international standards, Mahujoob said Airbus A380 aircraft can now fly to the Maldives with the newly inaugurated Code-F runway. He said a runway and a taxiway will be operated together for the first time which is a major improvement to the operations of the entire airport.
Speaking about the improvement in operation, Mahujoob noted the time spent in providing services will be made faster now. He added the airport throughput capacity will increase from eight to 2 aircraft per hour and the distance between the landing of two aircraft will be reduced to three minutes from 10 minutes. He assured that the runway will now be cleared within a maximum of one minute. Additionally, he stated the newly opened Noovilu Seaplane Terminal will bring seaplane services under one roof which will also provide more space for MACL operations at the airport.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of MACL Mohamed Umar Manik said the airport has a proud history of independence and hard work, adding the airport plays a major role in the economy of the country.
The new VIA runway is 3,400m long and 65m wide and can accommodate the largest commercial airplanes currently in use, such as the wide-bodied passenger aircraft. The runway was developed by China based-Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) at a cost of USD400 million. The project was funded by a loan provided by China-based Axis Bank Limited.