Malé, Maldives – The main international airport of Maldives, Velana International Airport (VIA) today commenced operations on the newly developed west apron.
The inaugural plane to land on the newly opened apron belonged to the national airline Maldivian. The new apron area has nine aircraft stands that can accommodate both domestic and international flights.
The new apron at the VIA was developed by the China Beijing Urban Development Construction Group (BUCG). The VIA development project is estimated at USD 800 million (MVR 12.3 billion) for the development of new runways, a new passenger terminal, fuel farm and sea plane terminal.
MACL states that the opening of the new apron today will open more job opportunities and solve the flight delay issues faced at the VIA recently. The newly inaugurated apron will also cater to the increase in tourist arrivals.
