Government Reveals Relocation Plan for Seaplane Operations; Confirmation of New Location Pending

The Maldives government revealed a plan to relocate seaplane operations from Velana International Airport (VIA) to Furanafushi Island in North Malé Atoll as part of VIA expansion to increase capacity to 25 million passengers annually. The new seaplane terminal will feature three water runways and facilities for five operators. The current Noovilu Seaplane Terminal, operational since October 6, 2022, will be repurposed. However, the final location is not confirmed, and no discussions with Sheraton Maldives (resort on Furanafushi) have been disclosed. Shamman Shakir of MACL stated that a conclusive decision is pending. The initial phase starts within the year, with major work in five years. President Muizzu announced the plan on a Thursday evening.

The Maldives government revealed a plan to relocate seaplane operations from Velana International Airport (VIA) to Furanafushi Island in North Malé Atoll as part of VIA expansion to increase capacity to 25 million passengers annually. The new seaplane terminal will feature three water runways and facilities for five operators. The current Noovilu Seaplane Terminal, operational since October 6, 2022, will be repurposed. However, the final location is not confirmed, and no discussions with Sheraton Maldives (resort on Furanafushi) have been disclosed. Shamman Shakir of MACL stated that a conclusive decision is pending. The initial phase starts within the year, with major work in five years. President Muizzu announced the plan on a Thursday evening.

The Maldives government revealed a plan to relocate seaplane operations from Velana International Airport (VIA) to Furanafushi Island in North Malé Atoll as part of VIA expansion to increase capacity to 25 million passengers annually. The new seaplane terminal will feature three water runways and facilities for five operators. The current Noovilu Seaplane Terminal, operational since October 6, 2022, will be repurposed. However, the final location is not confirmed, and no discussions with Sheraton Maldives (resort on Furanafushi) have been disclosed. Shamman Shakir of MACL stated that a conclusive decision is pending. The initial phase starts within the year, with major work in five years. President Muizzu announced the plan on a Thursday evening.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of airport / relocation.