The Maldives has inaugurated a $585 million passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (MLE), expanding annual capacity to 7.5 million passengers, more than triple its previous limit. Opened on July 26, 2025, the facility marks the nation’s largest-ever building project with modern architecture and Maldivian design motifs, it features 47 check-in counters, six self-service kiosks, 20 immigration counters, six boarding gates, and 12 aerobridges.
Financed through loans from Gulf development funds and national allocations, the terminal is central to the Maldives’ strategy to strengthen its tourism-driven economy, which accounts for 21% of GDP. The expansion aims to remove infrastructure constraints, support projected medium-term economic growth of 5.2%, and help meet the government’s $5 billion tourism revenue target.
The Maldives Monetary Authority reported a 9% rise in arrivals in H1 2025, driven by China and European markets, with renewed efforts to attract 300,000 Indian visitors this year
