The new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) meets international safety and security standards, making it fully safe for travellers, Head Chief Inspector of Directorate of Aviation Security Administration (DASA), Ahmed Nasheed has said.
Nasheed made the remarks in a serial video segment released by the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), dedicated to the preparations for the official opening of the new terminal.
DASA is the national authority responsible for regulating international conventions relating to aviation security and developing policies to protect civil aviation from security threats. DASA is also responsible for designating security zones at airports and regulating and managing all matters relating to civil aviation security, as well as taking all necessary measures to ensure civil aviation safety.
Speaking in the video segment, Nasheed confirmed that the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport has been developed in strict accordance with international standards.
"As the aviation security regulatory authority, we believe the new terminal has been built to a very high standard. We believe that the safety standards will be provided to passengers traveling to the Maldives using modern equipment, ensuring a secure and satisfying experience for passengers arriving in the Maldives" he said.
Nasheed noted that the baggage handling system installed at the new terminal is comprehensive and meets security standards, and is similar to systems used in developed countries. He noted that the new terminal will accommodate additional international airlines that wish to operate flights to the Maldives.
The opening of the new terminal at Velana International Airport is being carried out in accordance with international best practice standards. MACL is required to fully comply with the standards set by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Maldives, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
A dedicated Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) team has been established to ensure compliance with all required regulations. This includes ensuring the standards of the country’s regulatory authorities, DASA, the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA), and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), are met.
The 72,000-square metre new terminal is designed to handle 7.5 million passengers annually. It features 47 check-in counters with locally-inspired designs, six self-service kiosks and 24 check-in counters for seaplane passengers.
The new passenger terminal is scheduled to open on 26 July, to coincide with the Maldives’ Independence Day.