Seaplane Terminal Relocation Talks Underway, Reveals Saeed
Discussions are underway with the resort operator of Furanafushi Island, North Malé Atoll, regarding the relocation of the seaplane terminal to the island, according to Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed. Furanafushi Island currently hosts the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa. The relocation is part of the Velana International Airport (VIA) expansion plan to increase capacity to 25 million passengers annually. The 20-year master plan was unveiled in January. VIA's Noovilu Seaplane Terminal will be repurposed as a private jet terminal. The new seaplane terminal will feature three water runways and accommodate five operators. The proposed domestic terminal will handle 2,000 passengers per hour. The apron will expand from 34 to 74 aircraft. A new passenger terminal is expected by September of the current year, and the second phase of the VIP terminal is close to completion.