President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has declared the rebranding and name change of Ibrahim Nasir International Airport.
The decision was made after a cabinet meeting focusing on the transformation of the airport in line with the Administration's economic vision, the President’s Office said.
“First developed pursuant to a deceleration on May 1st 1964, the establishment of an airport proved significant in developing and cementing several key foreign relations while also enhancing the country's economy. With the active involvement of a large number of public, the then Prime Minister Sumuvvul Ameer Ibrahim Nasir Rannabandeyrikilegefaanu played a critical role in realizing the airport. While the recent leasing of the airport had come at great economic cost to the Maldives, the impending downturn has been avoided with legal matters concluded and the control of the nation's gateway back in line with larger national interests,” the office said in a statement.
The enhancing and expansion of the airport and its facilities in line with President Yameen's vision is set to reinvigorate the nation's economy; similar in significance to the economic transformation brought about by the initial development of 1964. Upon completion the tourism sector will see significant growth while at the same time the airport would work towards becoming a major hub for distance travel, it added. With the rebranding, the airport is to be referred to as “Velana International Airport”. While concise “Velana” is also a reference to former Prime Minister, Sumuvvul Ameer Ibrahim Nasir Rannabandeyrikilegefaanu.
The name Velana International Airport comes into effect January 1, 2017.