AIRPORT REVIEW The New MLE
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14 Curved shapes contribute to the futuristic yet gentle look of the facade . // MALDIVES AIRPORTS COMPANY LIMITED ( MACL )
15 Looking from the sea , the landside facade of the building recalls the waves of the Indian Ocean . // MALDIVES AIRPORTS COMPANY LIMITED ( MACL )
16 This rendering depicts a deserted atrium . Yet , the facility will be busy well beyond midnight , as several flights leave for Far East and Middle East destinations in the hours between 12pm and 2am . // MALDIVES AIRPORTS COMPANY LIMITED ( MACL )
17 While the existing facility is almost windowless , save for a small waiting area facing the apron , natural daylight will be one of the main features of the new terminal . // MALDIVES AIRPORTS COMPANY LIMITED ( MACL ) proceed to tiny rooms on the ground floor used as gates . From there , they are finally escorted to their Twin Otter for the last leg of their journey . The lagoon in the middle of Huhlule Island serves as the world ’ s largest seaplane airport , with four waterways available for takeoffs and landings .
A dedicated ATC tower handles arrivals and departures , which can be extremely hectic at peak hours , in the late morning and late afternoon . As no seaplane is allowed to fly after sunset , the evening rush is particularly dramatic : dozens of Twin Otters flock into the lagoon in the last minutes of daylight , carrying passengers scheduled to depart from the main terminal on evening flights to the Middle and Far East .
With its aircraft carrier-like runway , its exotic airline traffic , and its beautiful seaplane complex , Malé Velana International Airport is already a marvel for aviation enthusiasts . The upcoming opening of the new terminal will add further style and comfort .
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