As you may have heard, a major transformation has been underway in the Maldives: a brand-new international airport terminal. After years of development, the terminal has officially opened its doors, though it's not yet fully operational. Our CTO, Kaleem, and our Airport Manager, Zeday (who’s been greeting guests for Hummingbird for over 20 years) were invited to tour the new space at its grand opening.
Here’s what they found, and what it means for those of us in the travel trade.
What’s the new terminal like at first glance?
Zeday: It’s impressive. The architecture is clean and modern, with high ceilings, plenty of natural light, and design touches that reflect the Maldives' culture and natural beauty. It's not just a nicer space, it’s a real upgrade that matches the image of the Maldives as a premium destination, now in line with the Seaplane terminal, which opened in 2022.
Kaleem: It’s clearly been designed with growth in mind. It feels like a proper international hub now, not just a gateway.
How will this impact arrivals and departures?
The impact will be significant. For departures, passengers will benefit from 48 check-in counters (including self-service options), better flow through security, and aerobridge boarding, which is a first for the Maldives.
On the arrival side, the additional immigration counters and upgraded baggage system mean quicker entry and fewer bottlenecks, even during peak hours. In short, much less standing around, more seamless movement, especially critical during high season when volume surges.
How does it compare to the old terminal?
The main differences between the new terminal and the previous one lie in capacity, technology, passenger amenities, and overall design. The new terminal can handle 7.5 million passengers a year, which is a huge jump.
Key upgrades include:
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12 aerobridges
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Automated check-in kiosks
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Expanded duty-free and F&B options
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Designated international/domestic zones
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Higher ceilings, more natural light, better way finding
Overall, it’s now a space that reflects what travellers expect from a luxury destination.
Will wait times improve during peak season?
Yes, we expect them to improve hugely! The combination of more counters, faster systems (like e-gates at immigration), and a much larger footprint means that even during high season, the airport should avoid the heavy congestion we've seen in past years.
What about VIP and fast track services?
Fast-track and VIP services are getting a significant upgrade too. Expect:
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Dedicated security and immigration lanes
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Private lounges for premium passengers
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Concierge-style meet-and-greet services
This is especially useful for agents handling high-net-worth travellers or private clients.
Are there lounges, and what’s new there?
Yes, and they looked amazing. Several lounges are either already operational or in the final stages of fit-out. There’s a new flagship lounge with ocean views, spa services, and upscale dining, aimed at delivering a premium pre-departure experience that aligns with top-tier resorts.
What about day-to-day facilities?
From a traveller’s perspective, everything’s been elevated:
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Spacious departure halls
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Modern seating with charging points
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Reliable high-speed Wi-Fi
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More retail and food options (including international and local brands)
Are there any new international routes planned?
While there are no confirmed routes yet, the infrastructure is clearly built for future growth. The expectation is that we'll see new direct connections from key markets like Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
Final Thoughts
The new Maldives airport terminal is a long overdue upgrade, and while the old terminal is still in operation for now, the new one is expected to fully open around October, right in time for high season!
For those of us working behind the scenes in travel, this upgrade is more than aesthetic. It’s about efficiency, scalability, and making sure the first and last impressions of the Maldives match the promise of what happens in between.
If you have clients heading out this winter, it’s worth noting: their journey just got a little smoother.
