Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has said the new seaplane terminal, 'Noovilu', at Velana International Airport (VIA) will commence services to passengers next week.

The seaplane terminal is currently being used for some operations as well, MACL said during the first tour for journalists on Thursday.

Speaking to the press after the tour, Deputy Managing Director of MACL, Ibrahim Thoha, said that they are running trials at the new terminal before opening services to the public. As such, they have run 14 trials with 'Noovilu' being used for seaplane operations during the morning since Wednesday, Thoha said.

Once the trials are over, the TMA services will move to the new terminal by next week, Thoha added. However, Thoha did not mention a date for the official inauguration of the new terminal. He noted that MACL's aim is to move all seaplane services to the new terminal and make the new runway operational in the next 3 months.

Thoha added that the trials include familiarising the staff with the terminal as well as the operations at the new terminal.

TMA and Manta Airways are currently providing services at the new terminal. 'Noovilu' comprises of 43 lounges and a 'Dhovemi' retail shop. Six lounges are currently operational as well, Thoha said, with interior work ongoing in 31 lounges.

With the new terminal, there are 47 docks in use for seaplane operations, with an additional 27 docks planned to be developed. Feeling services are also available at the docks near the new terminal, and the maintenance hangar is also in operation at 'Noovilu'.