Flights have started parking on the new runway developed at Velana International Airport (VIA) during the presidency of the former President, Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

The runway officially opened during the Yameen Presidency in 2018 was developed by the China Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) with a loan of USD 373 million from the China Exim Bank. The runway is 3,400 meters ling and 60 meters wide with the capacity to accommodate the largest airplanes.

An official from the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) told One Online that the new runway is being used to park airplanes due to the space issue at the airport and about eight jets are currently parked on the runway currently not in use.

Meanwhile, the domestic flights have been moved to the north apron due to repairs at the east apron.