The government is trying to complete the new passenger terminal at the country’s main airport, Velana International Airport (VIA), ahead of schedule, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen has said.
In his message on the occasion of International Civil Aviation Day, Minister Ameen noted that as the world crossed into the 21st century, civil aviation has become more than a mode of transport for people, adding that it has evolved into the engine that fuels economic and social growth.
The Minister proudly noted that Maldives is among the developing countries that have fully kept pace with the modern changes in aviation. Ameen said that in line with the President's vision, local airlines have launched efforts to expand operations with new additions to their fleets.
The minister said the national flag carrier, Maldivian, will bring its first wide-body aircraft and commence flights to more international destinations.
In addition, Ameen said despite the decent progress of the new international terminal at VIA, the government is now pushing to complete the project ahead of schedule.
This project, once completed, will increase the frequency of flights of both domestic and foreign airlines and provide better services to passengers, he added. The minister also said that the country is preparing to resume helicopter operations in the island nation, in a bid to diversify its civil aviation industry.
“The service, including medical evacuations, will provide air transportation of tourists between resorts and airports. It will also facilitate night flights to regions with no domestic airports, the Aviation Minister added.
VIA operator, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) had previously said that the new terminal project will be completed and opened for passengers by the middle of next year.
In his message, Minister Ameen said the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is scheduled to visit Maldives in the middle of next year to conduct an audit to assess the country’s compliance with international aviation standards. He expressed confidence that efforts of the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) under the government's guidance will pass the audit with flying colours.