Impressive show of 1500 Synchronized drones during the opening of the New terminal at Valena Airport Male.
Malé, Maldives — In a breathtaking celebration that coincided with the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day, the inauguration of the new Velana International Airport terminal on July 26 featured a dazzling display of 1,500 synchronized drones, lighting up the night sky over Hulhulé Island.
The drone performance, the largest ever staged in the Maldives, unfurled an awe-inspiring aerial narrative celebrating Maldivian heritage, independence, and progress. Each drone formed shapes and sequences that symbolized the nation’s history and optimism for the future, eliciting gasps of wonder from the audience below
A Celebration to Remember
Led by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, about 6,000 dignitaries and guests witnessed the unveiling of the 78,000 m² terminal, which is designed to handle up to 7 million passengers annually.
The drone showcase was seamlessly followed by a spectacular fireworks display launched from 19 locations around Malé — 16 at sea and three at the airport itself — earning recognition from Guinness World Records for the most synchronized simultaneous fireworks display.
From Tech to Infrastructure
The new terminal represents a transformative upgrade for the island nation’s aviation infrastructure. Featuring 12 aerobridges, 47 check‑in counters, 6 self-service kiosks, and 38 immigration counters, the facility is engineered to improve flow and comfort for incoming travelers.
