In preparation for the long-anticipated opening of the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA), the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has commenced a series of technical trials on key airport systems.

The trials, part of the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) process, are being conducted in coordination with relevant MACL departments and the national airline. MACL confirmed that systems for passenger check-in, boarding, baggage reconciliation, and queue management were successfully tested during a trial held last night.

As the Maldives marks 60 years of independence, the new terminal is slated to open on 26 May, initially serving Maldivian-operated international flights. Gradual service transfers of other airlines to the terminal will follow as part of the phased ORAT implementation.

The government had entrusted the terminal construction project to the Saudi Bin Laden Group, which subcontracted the work to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC). The new terminal is a major infrastructure investment, with a projected cost of USD 600 million.

Designed to handle up to 7 million passengers annually, the 72,000-square-foot facility will address longstanding space limitations and elevate passenger service standards. It will feature 47 check-in counters, six self-service kiosks, a modern baggage handling system, and cutting-edge security screening technologies.

According to MACL, the terminal’s architecture is inspired by the natural beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage of the Maldives.