Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has advised passengers departing from Velana International Airport (VIA) on 3 January to prepare for delays, citing heavy traffic on airport roads and congestion within terminal areas due to the arrival of Umrah pilgrims.
Travellers are encouraged to arrive at least three hours before their scheduled departure to avoid disruptions, MACL said in statement. The airport operator has also urged taxi services and drivers to ensure timely pick-ups and drop-offs to maintain a steady traffic flow around the airport.
Passenger traffic is expected to peak between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., with 2,678 arrivals, including 618 Umrah pilgrims and 1,372 departures, according to MACL. A second peak is forecast between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., with 2,071 arrivals, including 452 Umrah pilgrims and 1,091 departures.