The incumbent government was forced to prioritise the opening of the new passenger terminal at the Velana International Airport (VIA) as successive governments had failed to contract key aspects of the landmark project, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has revealed.
Speaking during the eighth episode of the Rayyithunaa Eku podcast series, President Dr Muizzu noted that the first matter addressed during the transition period in late 2023 was reviewing the progress of the airport development project.
According to the President, despite the completion of the structure of the terminal, key aspects of bringing into operation had been neglected including interior work and road development to link the terminal to the rest of the airport.
"One of the most important things is the head of stand. That road needs to be built to really use the airport terminal in any way. It's the backbone of the building. But the road development was not even contracted. We had to contract that project which is now almost complete. Only 54 percent of the project had been completed when we took office. We couldn't have used the terminal without building the road first,” he explained.
With preparations underway to inaugurate the new terminal in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of the Maldives’ independence, President Dr Muizzu highlighted the importance of recognising the contributions of various Heads of State to the airport’s development over the years.
He stated that the terminal’s completion would bring significant economic progress and open new opportunities, particularly in the tourism sector. The President described the airport as the country’s most vital economic asset, stressing that progress there directly benefits all Maldivians and is closely tied to national development and overall well-being.