A first look of the sleek new passenger terminal under construction at the Velana International Airport was shared this week.
The exterior design reflects Maldivian features with wave-shaped arches and the intricate patterns found on ancient coral stone mosques.
The structure of the new terminal is done but the full project is expected to be completed in 2023, according to the state-owned airport operator. Developed by the Saudi Binladin Group with financing from Middle Eastern development funds, the 78,000-square meter terminal can accommodate up to 7.5 million passengers annually, resolving space constraints faced by the existing terminal and removing bottlenecks for tourism capacity. The new terminal will also have aero boarding bridges and state-of-the-art baggage handling systems as well as ample space for lounges, retail outlets and other services.
