Saeed Unveils Strategic Expansion of VIA’s Cargo Terminal

Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed announced a strategic expansion of the cargo terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) to increase capacity to 300,000 metric tonnes. The announcement came at the inauguration of a new 120,000 metric tonne cargo terminal, presided over by President Mohamed Muizzu. The new terminal, technically completed in 2022 and handed over in 2023, replaces a 50,000-tonne facility built 40 years ago. Saeed highlighted President Muizzu's vision to reduce the trade imbalance (MVR 3.48 billion imports vs MVR 300 million exports) and double GDP from MVR 6 billion to MVR 12 billion. MACL CEO Ibrahim Shareef noted that delays in operationalizing the completed terminal caused daily losses. The terminal is part of a VIA expansion project initiated in 2018 by former President Abdul Yameen Abdul Gayoom, which also includes a new runway, a passenger terminal under construction, and a fuel farm nearing completion. The government is finalizing an agreement with a regional air cargo economic zone.

Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed announced a strategic expansion of the cargo terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) to increase capacity to 300,000 metric tonnes. The announcement came at the inauguration of a new 120,000 metric tonne cargo terminal, presided over by President Mohamed Muizzu. The new terminal, technically completed in 2022 and handed over in 2023, replaces a 50,000-tonne facility built 40 years ago. Saeed highlighted President Muizzu's vision to reduce the trade imbalance (MVR 3.48 billion imports vs MVR 300 million exports) and double GDP from MVR 6 billion to MVR 12 billion. MACL CEO Ibrahim Shareef noted that delays in operationalizing the completed terminal caused daily losses. The terminal is part of a VIA expansion project initiated in 2018 by former President Abdul Yameen Abdul Gayoom, which also includes a new runway, a passenger terminal under construction, and a fuel farm nearing completion. The government is finalizing an agreement with a regional air cargo economic zone.

Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed announced a strategic expansion of the cargo terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) to increase capacity to 300,000 metric tonnes. The announcement came at the inauguration of a new 120,000 metric tonne cargo terminal, presided over by President Mohamed Muizzu. The new terminal, technically completed in 2022 and handed over in 2023, replaces a 50,000-tonne facility built 40 years ago. Saeed highlighted President Muizzu's vision to reduce the trade imbalance (MVR 3.48 billion imports vs MVR 300 million exports) and double GDP from MVR 6 billion to MVR 12 billion. MACL CEO Ibrahim Shareef noted that delays in operationalizing the completed terminal caused daily losses. The terminal is part of a VIA expansion project initiated in 2018 by former President Abdul Yameen Abdul Gayoom, which also includes a new runway, a passenger terminal under construction, and a fuel farm nearing completion. The government is finalizing an agreement with a regional air cargo economic zone.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of cargo terminal / expansion.