Long taxi queue at airport triggers public outrage

Long taxi queues at Velana International Airport (VIA, which recently underwent major changes with the inauguration of a new international terminal, has triggered public outrage.

The airport’s taxi queue is located at the walkway in front of the international terminal.

A video shared on social media by a member of the general public this morning shows a large number of people queuing up for taxi. While it is drizzling at that moment, passengers are in the queue with their luggage.

taxi que ????????‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/nYjwDWeGOu

— Mohamed Afrah ???????? (@afraamv) July 29, 2025

Another member of the general public also appealed for better arrangements than at present, which subjects passengers to wait in a long queue at peak hours taking up to 30 minutes. 

Managing the airport taxi drop-off queue needs some more thought. I know there is a traveler responsibility to try and get to the airport ahead of check-in closing time, but a drop-off queue that takes almost 30 mins at peak hours maybe managed better. @MACLmedia

— Maeed Zahir (@maeed) July 30, 2025

A taxi driver who spoke with Sun highlighted that the long queues leave taxis idling in the same spot, unable to move. He added that this leads to unnecessary fuel consumption with the engine running during the wait, while it also consumes a significant amount of the drivers' time. 

 The engine being on during this waiting time wastes fuel – which he described as a wasteful experience. Moreover, it also consumes a lot of time of taxi drivers.

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the operator of VIA, explained that such queues are common during peak hours and are not due to any road closures.

However, MACL stated that they are taking steps to address the issue and noted that airport security is already involved in managing the taxi line.

The airport’s security is usually maintained by Police, MNDF and Aviation Security Command officers.