Male’, Maldives — The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director of the Maldives Airport Company (MACL), Gordon Andrew Stewart informed that the new seaplane terminal built under the development project of the main Velana International Airport (VIA) is expected to start its operations in the second quarter of 2021.
Stewart informed that they have already opened buds to the public to lease lounge spaces from the new seaplane terminal and that everything is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2021.
Several problems have also been raised regarding the seaplane terminal. But we expect to start its operation next year.
Gordon Andrew Stewart stated.
One of the biggest issue that was raised regarding the seaplane terminal was on deciding who to assign the responsibilities of operating the seaplane terminal. While there were rumors that the new seaplane terminal will be handed over to TMA, the biggest seaplane operator in the world, this matter was widely looked into by both the parliament and Anti Corruption Commission (ACC).
Costing approximately USD 55 million (MVR 848 million), the newly constructed seaplane terminal is built using the latest technology with a square foot of 78,000, that will be able to accommodate up to 55 planes simultaneously.
While the dock area can be increased by time, it could potentially accommodate up to 100 plans in total. It is estimated that the terminal can provide service up to 7 million passengers per year.
While the terminal consists of 28 arrival counters, 50 departure counters along with, 10 gates and 10 screening machines, it also has 19 resort lounges, 1,800 square meter VIP lounges and a special area for tourist receptions, made specially for the tourists.
