The first passenger lounge at Velana International Airport’s (VIA) new terminal has officially opened, marking a major milestone in the airport’s expansion project and setting a new benchmark for passenger comfort.
Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef inaugurated the Koveli Lounge at Terminal 1 during a ceremony attended by Deputy Managing Directors Mohamed La’man and Mujtaba Latheef, along with senior MACL officials, representatives from the Ministry of Economic Development, and airline partners.
Located on the second floor of the new terminal, the 1,230-square-metre Koveli Lounge can accommodate up to 270 passengers and is designed to deliver a premium travel experience. The facility offers state-of-the-art amenities, including:
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Private rooms for passengers with special needs
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Baby-care facilities and a dedicated children’s play area
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Shower rooms and full buffet catering services
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Quiet reading spaces for a calm, relaxing environment
“The opening of Koveli Lounge demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting tourism and economic growth,” said MACL MD Ibrahim Shareef. “The swift completion of this facility reflects the administration’s focus on enhancing visitor services and strengthening the Maldives’ position as a top global destination.”
MACL described tourism, travel, and hospitality as the backbone of the Maldivian economy, with VIA serving as “the pillar that holds all these industries together.” The company praised its staff for their contribution to developing and maintaining the airport, calling their work a national service.
The launch of the Koveli Lounge is part of the phased opening of VIA’s new terminal facilities, designed to provide a seamless, modern airport experience as the Maldives continues to expand its aviation infrastructure to meet growing passenger demand.
