Archive · 9 Aug 2025
Maldives Opens New Airport Terminal to Boost Tourism
The Maldives opened a new, large airport terminal to attract more tourists.
This should help the economy, since tourism is a big part of it.
The new terminal cost $585 million and can handle many more people.
Some people think the terminal will help boost tourism and the economy.
But others think it's a costly project.
The Maldives is hoping for more tourists, particularly from India, and has set a high revenue target for tourism.
Maldives inaugurated a new airport terminal on July 26, 2025, Independence Day.
The new terminal aims to boost tourism, a major GDP contributor, and the broader economy.
The project cost $585 million, financed through international loans and the national budget.
The terminal can serve 7.5 million passengers annually, over three times current capacity.
Critics see the project as debt-laden, while officials anticipate economic growth.
- Who
- Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu and the Maldivian government.
- What
- Inauguration of a new airport terminal.
- When
- July 26, 2025
- Where
- Velana International Airport, Maldives
- Why
- To boost tourism and the economy.
Supporters
Critics
Economic Impact
Supporters
The new terminal will boost tourism, leading to economic growth.
Critics
The new terminal is a debt-laden, cost-overrun project that faced years of delays.
- Terminal Cost
- $585 million
- Annual Passenger Capacity
- 7.5 million
- GDP Contribution of Tourism
- 21%
- Debt (2024)
- Exceeded $8 billion
- Indian Tourist Arrivals (Jan-June 2025)
- 66,501
- Tourism Revenue Target (2025)
- $5 billion