Velana International Airport (VIA) has officially started using its new terminal.

Via's new terminal first served an Airbus A330 flight that arrived here from Kochi this afternoon.

The airbus A330 landed on the VIA runway and was greeted with a water salute.

Finance Minister Moosa Zameer, Transport Minister Mohamed Amin, Tourism Minister Thorigu Ibrahim, MACL Chairperson Aisha Noorain Janah, CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed and senior management members of the company welcomed the passengers arriving on the flight from via the new terminal.

The passengers were then greeted with cultural ceremonies.

On the eve of the country's 60th Independence Day, via's new terminal was inaugurated at a special function last night. The terminal was inaugurated by President Mohamed Muizz.

The three-storey terminal has been designed to provide quick and convenient services to passengers. A total of 48 counters, including self-service counters, will continue to operate from day one.

The new terminal will be able to serve 12 flights at a time. A total of six converter belts are located at the new terminal, and arrangements have also been made to fly directly from the ship to the terminal.