Aiming to complete VIA project before scheduled date: Ameen

Minister of Transport Mohamed Ameen on Saturdays said the aim is to complete the new terminal development initiative at Velana International Airport (VIA) before the scheduled date.

In his address commemorating the International Civil Aviation Day, which is marked on December 7^th each year, the minister said work on the new terminal has been proceeding expeditiously.

“With the current government’s initiation, we are working to open the new terminal ahead of the announced date,” the minister said.

Earlier, as the president-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu affirmed to open the new terminal within the first eight months of the current administration. The terminal however was not complete as expected within the period.

The contractor has estimated the project will be completed by the first quarter next year.

The minister in his address said that modern aviation is not only about lifting passengers from one place to another, but a vital aspect of social and economic progress.

He noted that while global aviation has been growing with new innovation, it is crucial for the Maldives to adopt these developments in its aviation industry.

Under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s aviation policies, local airlines are acquiring new aircraft to expand their fleets. The minister noted efforts by the national airline, Maldivian, which has been acquiring wide-body aircraft to expand its international aviation operations.

Maldivian is expected to bring its first wide-body in January 2025 while subsequently expanding the airline’s routes.

The minister further noted that guest transfers during evening hours will become easier between tourist resorts and airports with the relaunch of helicopter services in the Maldives.

Ameen said current efforts are focused on ensuring the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA) received a favourable result in the ICAO audit, and expressed confidence of achieving this.

The minister expressed his gratitude to everyone working in and contributing to the aviation industry.