Resort Representatives Praise VIA’s New Terminal for Resolving Guest Welcome Challenges

Leading resort operators across the Maldives have expressed strong confidence that the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) will eliminate long-standing challenges in welcoming guests, marking a significant upgrade to the country’s tourism gateway.

Following comprehensive operational readiness trials ahead of the terminal’s scheduled July 26 opening, resort representatives confirmed that the expanded facility will drastically improve the arrival experience for international visitors—streamlining guest reception processes and minimizing wait times.

Ali Naseer, Airport Manager for Soneva Resorts, which operates three luxury properties in the Maldives, noted that the current setup often causes delays in guest handovers and prolonged waiting times for resort representatives. “The new terminal will solve these challenges by reducing guest departure times and enhancing the overall convenience of the arrival experience,” he said.

Echoing this sentiment, Larissa, Manager of One&Only Reethi Rah Resort, highlighted the elevated hospitality standards the terminal promises to deliver. “The New Terminal will offer guests a special welcome that truly reflects Maldivian hospitality. We are eagerly anticipating sharing this experience with our visitors,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Jumeirah Maldives' Airport Services Manager, Nuh Abdul Haris, pointed to major improvements in terminal layout and logistics. “The space has been excellently utilized. The new design significantly enhances how we serve our guests, offering greater ease and efficiency,” he said.

The endorsement from resort operators underscores the new terminal’s capacity to resolve key tourism sector bottlenecks. The facility’s expanded design, enhanced passenger flow, and optimized service delivery are expected to deliver:

• Shorter processing times for arrivals and departures
• A more refined, comfortable guest journey
• Improved operational convenience for resort welcome teams
• Efficient utilization of terminal space to support high-volume tourism operations

These enhancements were evaluated during the airport’s Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) trials, which also included participation from airlines, airport staff, and travel agents.

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) continues final preparations for the grand opening of the New Terminal, scheduled to coincide with the 60th anniversary of Maldivian independence. The upgraded facility is expected to transform the first impression for thousands of international visitors, reinforcing the Maldives’ reputation as a world-class luxury destination.