The Maldives, renowned for its pristine white beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts, continues to attract millions of tourists each year. In 2023, the tropical paradise witnessed a 12% increase in tourist arrivals, and the trend shows no sign of slowing down in 2024, with a further 10% rise compared to the previous year. As tourism plays a critical role in the livelihood of the Maldives' 550,000 citizens, the country is making significant strides to accommodate the growing influx of visitors.
Velana Airport Expansion: A Decade-Long Project Coming to Fruition
To meet the demands of increasing tourist numbers, Velana International Airport is nearing the completion of the first phase of its ambitious expansion project. The project includes enhancing the commercial terminal, cargo services, and the VIP/CIP terminal. Currently, the airport's facilities are servicing 12,000 passengers daily, despite being designed for a maximum of 3,000. The new terminal, expected to open gradually starting at the end of the year, promises a substantial improvement in service levels, with full completion targeted for mid-2025.
Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, CEO and Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company, emphasized the importance of this expansion for the tourism and airline industries. The enhanced infrastructure not only caters to more visitors but also supports the Maldives' position as a premier travel destination.
Tsunami-Resilient Infrastructure: A Necessity in the Maldives
While tourism remains the backbone of the Maldivian economy, the nation faces an existential threat from rising sea levels and climate change. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which devastated the country and damaged the base of Velana Airport’s runway, serves as a grim reminder of the island nation’s vulnerability.
In response, Velana Airport's expansion incorporates tsunami-resilient infrastructure. Mohamed, a survivor of the 2004 tsunami, stressed the importance of building a strong foundation for the runway, including fortifying the grounds to prevent water seepage. This is part of a broader initiative to ensure that the airport and other key infrastructure can withstand future natural disasters.
Additionally, the Maldives is committed to increasing its use of renewable energy, with plans to convert 90% of the airport's energy consumption to solar power within the next two years. This move aligns with the government's broader strategy of spending a significant portion of its budget on climate adaptation, including constructing sea walls to protect coral reefs.
The Future of Seaplanes in the Maldives
Seaplanes, a unique and popular mode of transport in the Maldives, are also part of the airport's expansion. Currently, Velana Airport manages up to 72 seaplane flights per hour during its operational window from 6 am to 6 pm. However, discussions are underway to extend these hours by installing sustainable lighting on the seaplane runways, allowing for nighttime operations. This enhancement will further boost the tourism sector, offering visitors more flexibility and access to the Maldives' remote islands.
Balancing Tourism Growth with Environmental Responsibility
As the Maldives pushes forward with its tourism expansion plans, the government faces criticism over environmental concerns. Human Rights Watch (HRW) recently accused Maldivian authorities of failing to implement proper environmental regulations in land reclamation projects, which have led to increased flooding risks and damage to vital ecosystems. Despite these challenges, the Maldivian government remains committed to balancing tourism growth with environmental responsibility, aiming to protect its vulnerable islands while continuing to attract visitors from around the world.
Source: Reuters
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