Velana International Airport: A Monument of National Determination
Velana International Airport (VIA), the Maldives’ main international gateway, stands today as more than just an airport- it is a testament to the nation’s long-held vision of connectivity and progress. It reflects decades of careful planning, international cooperation, and a shared commitment to opening the Maldives to the world. While the initial groundwork began under President Ibrahim Nasir, the development of the airport was advanced significantly through the diplomatic, strategic, and administrative leadership of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom—first as Minister of Transport and Communications, and later during his long tenure as President. His consistent prioritization of infrastructure and connectivity was instrumental in transforming an ambitious vision into a landmark national achievement that would shape the Maldives’ future and its place in global aviation.
The story of Maldives’ airport begins in 1960, when the British constructed a basic 1,000-meter slotted steel runway on Hulhulé Island, enabling the first landings of military and commercial aircraft. The inaugural aircraft to land was a Royal New Zealand Air Force Bristol Freighter on 19 October 1960, while the first commercial flight, operated by Air Ceylon, landed on 19 April 1962.
Recognizing the need for a more permanent and modern facility, the Maldivian government embarked on constructing a new asphalt runway between 1964 and 1966. This project was notable for its community involvement, with over a hundred volunteers participating on the first day, alongside significant public donations. The upgraded runway, measuring approximately 2,840 meters, was officially inaugurated on 12 April 1966 by President Ibrahim Nasir.
By the late 1960s and early 1970s, the government realized that air connectivity was critical to the Maldives’ economic future, particularly with the nascent tourism sector. To build an international standard airport, the government floated an international tender, which was won by the International Airports Authority of India (IAAI). IAAI developed a comprehensive master plan, covering runway expansion, terminal design, fuel storage, and navigation infrastructure to meet global aviation standards.
In the 1970s, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, then serving as Minister of Transport, played a pivotal role in laying the diplomatic and financial groundwork for the transformation of the airport. He personally travelled to key capitals, conducting tireless outreach to Arab and Islamic development institutions. These diplomatic missions resulted in the Maldives securing crucial funding from:
The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development
The Saudi Fund for Development
The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development
The OPEC Special Fund for International Development in Vienna
These strategic efforts provided the financial foundation that allowed the Maldives to realize its vision of a world-class international airport.
In March 1978, the Maldives signed a landmark agreement with IAAI to commence construction of the new terminal and fuel facilities. On 29 September 1978, the foundation stone for the new passenger terminal was laid by President Ibrahim Nasir alongside then-Transport Minister Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, marking the transition from planning to physical development.
Shortly thereafter, on 11 November 1978, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was sworn in as President. Under his leadership, the airport project not only continued but accelerated, benefiting from sustained political will, coordinated administration, and international engagement. President Maumoon’s long-term vision and governance ensured that the Maldives' key gateway to the world was developed to meet growing national and international demands.
On 11 November 1981, the airport was officially inaugurated as Malé International Airport. This marked a historic milestone: for the first time, the Maldives had a fully functional international airport, enabling direct air connectivity with the world and unlocking unprecedented opportunities for trade, tourism, and global engagement.
Over the following decades, the airport experienced multiple expansions and modernization efforts under President Maumoon’s administration:
The runway was extended to accommodate wide-body aircraft.
New passenger terminals and cargo facilities were constructed.
Modern air traffic control and radar systems were installed.
The Maldives Airports Company Ltd (MACL) was established on 1 January 1994 to professionalize and manage airport operations.
President Maumoon’s long-standing commitment to infrastructure and development ensured that the airport remained at the forefront of the Maldives’ national priorities, helping the country transition into a globally connected island state.
In 2011, the airport was renamed Ibrahim Nasir International Airport to honor President Ibrahim Nasir’s critical role in founding the Maldives’ aviation sector and initiating the airport’s early development. Later, in 2017, it was renamed Velana International Airport, with “Velana” referring to President Nasir’s family house name (Velanage), preserving his legacy and acknowledging his foundational contributions to the nation’s connectivity and progress.
With the inauguration of the new, state-of-the-art international terminal on the 60th Independence Day, Velana International Airport has entered a new chapter, marked by expanded capacity, enhanced passenger experience, and strengthened global connectivity.
In this moment of progress, it is important to reflect on the airport’s origins: the early vision, the community-driven efforts, the contributions of international partners, and the decisive leadership that turned aspiration into reality. Among those who played a defining role, the enduring legacy of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom stands out not just as a policymaker, but as a leader whose foresight and dedication helped anchor the Maldives firmly on the map of global aviation.