President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has acknowledged the contributions of former Presidents Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom in the development of the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA), crediting both previous administrations for their role in completing the major infrastructure project.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the new terminal, President Dr Muizzu noted that the project was the result of sustained efforts across successive governments. He extended special appreciation to both former presidents, under whose leadership the terminal project was initiated and progressed.

President Dr Muizzu also expressed gratitude to the international partners who supported the terminal's development, including the Saudi Fund for Development, the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, and the Abu Dhabi Fund.

He further thanked the many individuals, local and foreign, who worked tirelessly to ensure the terminal's completion. He emphasised that without their collective effort, the terminal’s opening would have been delayed by at least another 18 months.