Xinhua
13 Oct 2025

by Xinhua writers Wu Yue, Chen Dongshu

MALE, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- From above, the new terminal building of Velana International Airport gleams like a flowing ribbon along the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Its wave-like facade and smooth, sand-colored tones echo the beaches and sea breeze of the Maldives, blending seamlessly with the island landscape.

Nearby, the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge extends gracefully across the channel, together forming a striking silhouette of the Maldivian capital.

Built by China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC), the new terminal was officially inaugurated in July this year. On July 26 -- part of celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the Maldives' independence -- President Mohamed Muizzu unveiled the terminal, calling it a "landmark achievement for the nation's future."

For Maldivians, the project fulfills a long-cherished dream.

"As an island nation, airports mean everything to us," said Ibrahim Ali Habeeb, deputy chief officer at the Projects Department of Maldives Airports Company Limited. "They connect us to the world -- to every corner of the globe. Many Maldivians see the airport as a symbol of our independence and freedom."

Habeeb said that the old terminal, opened in 1981, had long fallen behind growing passenger demand. "For years, our people have hoped for a modern terminal. Now, with help from our Chinese friends, that dream has come true," he said.

Li Xingfu, project manager from the CHEC, recalled that Maldivian people attach full expectations to the new airport building.

"Whenever I took a taxi in Male, drivers would notice my uniform and ask, 'How's the new terminal going? Will it open soon?'" Li said with a smile. "Now, after it's opened, I ask them, 'Have you seen it yet?' And they often reply, 'Yes, it's beautiful! We're proud of it!'"

The new terminal has greatly enhanced the Maldives' capacity as a global tourist destination. With its commissioning, Velana International Airport's annual passenger capacity has soared from 2 million to over 7 million. Equipped with an intelligent baggage handling system, streamlined customs clearance, and integrated counters for international-to-seaplane transfers, the terminal delivers a smoother and more efficient travel experience.

According to Habeeb, the Maldives welcomed nearly 2 million international tourists in 2024, pushing the old terminal to its limits. "This year, arrivals are expected to grow by around 10 percent," he said. "The new terminal closes the gap that once held us back, enabling our tourism and our economy to grow faster and stronger."

He added that many visitors have commented that the new terminal leaves a remarkable first impression of the Maldives.

"It will play a key role in shaping and elevating the Maldivian tourism brand -- and I'm confident it will inspire pride across our country," Habeeb said.

For Wassil Hanna, deputy project director of the airport expansion at Saudi Binladin Group, the project was his first collaboration with a Chinese company -- and an unforgettable one.

"Professional, efficient, and reliable -- that's how I would describe the Chinese team," he said. "They bring together seasoned managers and young, creative engineers. That combination gives them incredible resilience in complex projects."

Under the guidance of Chinese engineers, a host of advanced technologies were applied to the project.

Low-emissivity glass walls reduce heat transfer while maintaining natural light, cutting building energy use. Jet-flow air outlets, optimized for the humid coastal climate, ensure stable air-conditioning performance and passenger comfort. An intelligent visual docking guidance system replaces manual marshaling, achieving fully automated aircraft guidance.

"The materials we used meet the highest safety standards while lowering costs," Li noted. "This project carries the mark of Chinese standards, Chinese innovation, and Chinese efficiency -- all shared with the world."

Habeeb emphasized that the new terminal combines technological sophistication with cultural respect.

"Chinese engineering met Maldivian tradition -- from modern systems to locally inspired carvings, the new terminal stands as a perfect example of people-to-people connection and cultural convergence between China and the Maldives," he said.

President Muizzu has repeatedly praised the project and the Chinese team behind it. At a recent National Day reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in the Maldives, he once again mentioned China's support for the country's development.

The deep friendship between the two nations is built not only on concrete and steel, but on the bonds of mutual respect and solidarity between the peoples, Muizzu said.