Passengers allowed access to taxis from in front of VIA’s new domestic terminal

Taxi queue at Velana International Airport. (File Photo/Sun/Fayaz Moosa)

In a significant operational update, the Maldives Airport Company Limited (MACL) has revised the traffic management protocols at Velana International Airport (VIA) to facilitate easier access to taxis for domestic passengers. This adjustment directly addresses long-standing traveler concerns regarding the excessive walking distance required after the recent relocation of domestic services to the former international terminal. By establishing designated pick-up and drop-off zones immediately in front of the domestic terminal, the airport authority is prioritizing passenger comfort and operational efficiency, effectively streamlining the transit process for thousands of daily users.

Taxi access has been relocated significantly closer to the new domestic terminal entrance.
Arrival gates are now optimized to accommodate four taxis simultaneously.
Departure gates have been configured to host up to five taxis for departing passengers.
This change mitigates physical hardship for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant travelers, and families with children.
The initiative reflects a direct, responsive approach to passenger feedback regarding terminal infrastructure.

The Maldives Airport Company Limited (MACL) has announced changes to the traffic flow at the Velana International Airport (VIA), allowing passengers to get on and off taxis from in front of the new domestic passenger terminal, instead of having to take a long walk to the taxi queue.

The move follows complaints over the longer distance that travelers need to walk in order to get a taxi, after domestic travel at the VIA was shifted to the old international passenger terminal, and the taxi queue near the old international terminal was dismantled.

MACL has announced that effective Wednesday, passengers will be allowed to get on and off taxis from the area in front of the domestic terminal.

According to MACL, the area in front of the arrivals gate has been designated for passengers to disembark from taxis, and can accommodate up to four taxis at any given time.

Meanwhile, the area in front of the departure gate has been designated for passengers to get on taxis, and can accommodate up to five taxis at any given time.

The move offers relief to passengers who previously had to take a long walk to access taxis, which proved particularly troublesome for vulnerable groups such as elderly travelers, pregnant women, and children.