Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director, Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed has said that the transition of domestic operations to terminal two marks a new chapter in Velana International Airport (VIA)’s service delivery.
To ensure that service quality matches the government’s efforts to improve air connectivity across the Maldives, the transition follows significant changes.
Speaking during the ceremony to mark the transition, CEO Shareef said this marks an additional check on the work undertaken by MACL to improve VIA’s service delivery to passengers. Shareef noted that in tandem with the increase in international passenger arrivals, passengers seeking services through domestic operations has also increased. As such during peak seasons, the domestic terminal consistently had to face service delays and overcrowding.
MACL’s CEO revealed that the decision to move and upgrade the domestic terminal was undertaken to tackle these persistent issues. He made note of the fact that this development is not just a transition, but rather a transition followed by expanded service delivery and improved efficiency.
The relocation follows a series of upgrades to the terminal. Check-in capacity has been expanded from eight to 27 counters, while three additional security screening machines and six departure gates have been introduced. The facility now also includes gender-segregated prayer rooms and three food and beverage outlets. Arriving passengers are expected to benefit from a significant expansion of baggage handling services, with two new baggage belts installed, each four times larger than the previous system. The effort is aimed at reducing congestion.
MACL highlighted the change will have a positive impact on domestic travel frequencies and the broader economy. They noted that the development will provide much relief to the passengers, especially at a time when passenger arrivals have been increasing year-on-year.