VIA new terminal fireworks postponed

The historic fireworks display scheduled for the inauguration of Velana International Airport’s (VIA) new terminal has been delayed by one hour.

Originally set for 2030 hrs on Saturday evening, the ceremony will now begin at 2140 hrs, according to the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) updates on X. 

The event will feature fireworks launched from 19 locations around Male area, marking the first time such a large-scale fireworks display has been held in the Maldives. The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) had also announced that public viewing platforms have been arranged across Male’, Hulhumale’, Villimale’ and Feydhoo in Addu City for the Velana new terminal opening event.

ވެލާނާ ބައިނަލްއަގުވާމީ ވައިގެބަނދަރުގެ އައު ޓާމިނަލް ހުޅުވުމުގެ މުނާޞަބަތުގައި ބާއްވާ ހަވާއެރުވުން ފެށޭނީ މިރޭ 21:40 ހާއިރު ކަމުގައި ދަންނަވަން. pic.twitter.com/09hvBeiOkA

— Maldives National Defence Force (@MNDF_Official) July 26, 2025

Fireworks on special occasions in the Maldives always draw significant public attention, and this event is no exception. Male and Hulhumale streets are bustling with holiday crowds.

The opening of VIA’s new terminal coincides with Independence Day festivities. MACL described the ceremony as a truly unique and colorful event, featuring a light show and drone show alongside the fireworks.

All former Presidents of the Maldives have been invited to attend the VIA terminal opening.