Velana International Airport's new terminal promotes connectivity

At 8:30 pm local time on July 26, 2025, the unveiling ceremony for the new terminal at Velana International Airport in the Maldives kicked off. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu attended the ceremony, which marked the beginning of the terminal's trial operation period.

The new terminal, next to the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, is part of the expansion project of the Velana International Airport terminal, which was co-constructed by the CCCC Second Harbor Engineering Co.

The terminal features 47 check-in counters, six self-service kiosks, 20 outbound immigration counters, six boarding gates, and 12 boarding bridges, with the capacity to serve over 7 million passengers annually. The building is approximately 520 meters long and 86 meters wide, with a floor area of about 37,000 square meters and a total building area of approximately 80,000 square meters. It has three floors, with a total roof height of about 21.7 meters.

Work on the project commenced in August 2019, with the main structure topping out in January 2021. Interior work began in August 2020 and concluded in July 2020. The new terminal replaces the original terminal opened in 1981, representing a comprehensive upgrade of the airport. Its design incorporates Maldivian cultural elements, creating a rich local cultural atmosphere. The layout and functional design prioritize passengers' needs and experience, featuring waiting areas, traffic lines, and commercial facilities.

Throughout the project, the team overcame complex marine climate conditions and other difficulties, adhering to eco-friendly principles and strictly controlling dust emissions. The team also installed wastewater treatment facilities to ensure that wastewater did not enter the ocean.

This project is a significant achievement of the Belt and Road Initiative, deepening the friendly and cooperative relationship between the two countries.