Hulhulé

The Standard | 9 months, 3 weeks ago | positive

MACL Receives First Phase of VIA Airport Taxiway Charlie Rebuild from BUCG

Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) handed over the first phase of the Taxiway Charlie rebuild project at Velana International Airport (VIA) to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) on August 22, 2025, at Hulhulé Island Hotel. The project, contracted on 16 October 2024 and commenced on 10 April 2025, was delivered 84 days ahead of schedule. The ceremony included MACL Chairperson Ayesha Nurain Janah, Deputy Managing Director Mujthaba Latheef, BUCG Project Director Kang Guangbao, and other officials. The upgraded taxiway aims to enhance air traffic efficiency. Taxiway Charlie originally built in 1976 as VIA's first runway, was later upgraded and reclassified after the opening of a new Code F runway in October 2022. The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami caused severe damage. The project is part of broader VIA expansion.

The Standard | 9 months, 4 weeks ago | positive

Beyond Begins Operations at VIA T1 as MACL Pledges ‘World-Class Service’

Beyond, a luxury airline, commenced operations from Velana International Airport's Terminal 1, becoming the third airline to use the facility. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Minister Ali Arif, MACL CEO Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, and other officials. Terminal 1 is designed to handle 7 million passengers annually and features modern amenities including aero bridges and advanced baggage systems. MACL stated that four additional airlines will shift to Terminal 1 within the month.

The Standard | 10 months, 4 weeks ago | optimistic

MACL Confirms Major Upgrade for Airport Reps at New VIA Terminal

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) confirmed that airport representatives (Reps) will have a designated premium area in the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA), contrary to speculation. The new terminal will restructure the departure process with check-in before security. An anonymous representative from the Reps association expressed optimism.

The Standard | 10 months, 4 weeks ago | neutral

Eastern, Western Parking Restrictions Announced Ahead of Velana Airport’s New Terminal Opening

MACL announced temporary parking restrictions at Hulhule from July 17, 2025, ahead of the new terminal opening on July 26. Eastern Parking Zone will prohibit four-wheeled vehicles from July 17, and Western Parking Zone will have complete restrictions from 18:00 on July 17. Remaining vehicles will be cleared with police. MACL apologized for inconvenience.

The Standard | 10 months, 4 weeks ago | neutral

Eastern, Western Parking Restrictions Announced Ahead of Velana Airport’s New Terminal Opening

MACL announced temporary parking restrictions at Hulhule from July 17, 2025, ahead of the new terminal opening on July 26. Eastern Parking Zone will prohibit four-wheeled vehicles from July 17, and Western Parking Zone will have complete restrictions from 18:00 on July 17. Remaining vehicles will be cleared with police. MACL apologized for inconvenience.

The Standard | 11 months, 3 weeks ago | positive

Vital Water Link Completed for Velana Airport’s New Passenger Terminal

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) completed a water pipeline for Velana International Airport's new passenger terminal. The pipeline spans 1,800 meters over land and 635 meters under the lagoon, ensuring a stable potable water supply. CEO Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed inaugurated the pipeline on June 22, 2025. The terminal, measuring 78,000 square meters, will partially open on July 26 (Independence Day) and be fully operational by September, increasing annual capacity from 1.5 million to 7 million passengers. This supports the government's target of 2.3 million tourist arrivals in 2025. Airlines will gradually migrate operations, led by Maldivian.

The Standard | 11 months, 4 weeks ago | positive

Ambassador Kong Honors Engineers as President Muizzu Declares August 30 National Engineering Day

Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua posted on X on June 16, 2025, praising engineers after President Mohamed Muizzu declared August 30 as National Engineers' Day via a directive on June 15. The date commemorates the Sinamalé (China–Maldives Friendship) Bridge opening on August 30, 2018. The 1.4 km bridge, the largest infrastructure project in Maldives history, connects Malé, Hulhulé, and Hulhumalé, reducing travel time from half an hour to minutes. The Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure will coordinate events. The bridge has free maintenance from China through 2028.

The Standard | 1 year ago | concerned

Police Begin Special Investigation Into Greater Malé Electricity Blackout

On June 1, 2025, a major power outage affected the Greater Malé area, including Malé City, Hulhumalé, and Hulhulé. The Maldives Police Service (MPS) launched a special investigation to determine whether the cause was technical failure, sabotage, or systemic vulnerabilities. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu addressed the nation on social media, expressing concern and directing agencies to expedite the investigation. The MPS urged citizens to report any information that might help uncover the cause and assured measures to prevent future disruptions.

The Standard | 1 year ago | optimistic

“New VIA Terminal Will Open on July 26” Confirms MACL

MACL announced that a portion of the new terminal at Velana International Airport will open on July 26, 2025, coinciding with Maldives Independence Day. The 78,000 sqm terminal features self-service kiosks, automated baggage drop, and advanced baggage handling. It will initially have 6 airbridges and capacity for 7.5 million passengers annually. Full service transition from the existing terminal is expected within three months. Funding includes USD 100 million from Saudi financing and USD 80 million from ADFD, total MVR 7 billion. 600 workers are working nearly 18-hour days to meet the timeline.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 2 months ago | neutral

MACL Contracts RDC for Repair and Maintenance of Hulhulé Island Roads

Maldives Airports Company Ltd. (MACL) signed an agreement with Road Development Corporation (RDC) for the renovation and maintenance of roads on Hulhulé Island and Velana International Airport (VIA). The contract, signed on Sunday, is the first time MACL outsourced such a project to a local company. It includes regular road renovations, construction of roads affected by seasonal flooding, resurfacing land-side roads, pothole repairs, line markings, cleaning stormwater drainage, pavements, walkways, and waste management. Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, CEO and Managing Director of MACL, and Brigadier General (Rtd.) Ali Zuhair, Managing Director of RDC, formalized the agreement. MACL aims to develop land-side roads to modern standards for a smoother and safer user experience.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 5 months ago | concerned

Record Rainfall in Malé Region Causes Flooding, Disruptions and Displacements

Record rainfall on December 31, 2023, caused widespread flooding in the Malé region, Maldives. Hulhulé Island recorded 179.9mm of rain in 24 hours, and Malé received 118.2mm, flooding over 140 homes and displacing 54 individuals from 11 households. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) coordinated relief with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and Maldivian Red Crescent, providing sandbags and temporary accommodation. President Mohamed Muizzu visited affected areas. Flight delays and cancellations occurred at Velana International Airport.