Travellers using the Maldives main airport will soon be offered more convenience as it gears up to launch a new F&B complex with top fast food franchises in the world.
Adil Moosa, Managing Director of the state run airport operator Maldives Airport Company Limited (MACL), told local media last week that several world-famous fast food franchises have expressed interest to open their outlets at Velana International Airport. Almost every previously announced brand will have outlets at the complex when it opens to travellers towards the end of the year, he added.
“There are brand requirements that we have to meet. We are working on finalising those specific details,” Adil said.
MACL has earlier announced that it was in talks with regional licensees of top fast food franchises to set up their outlets at the new F&B complex, which is to be built at the waterfront of the airport. Some of the franchise brands in the January announcement include McDonald’s, KFC, Starbucks, Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Krispy Kreme, Dunkin’ Donuts and Hard Rock Café.
Adil stressed that the steel structure of the prefab building would be brought in from Singapore next month. Foundation works of the 14,000 square feet building is already underway, he said.
A drawing of the new waterfront F&B complex. PHOTO/ MACL
MACL will also allow franchise operators to open outlets in the new terminal of the airport being developed.
Velana International Airport already features a number of international fast food franchises, including Burger King, The Coffee Club, Thai Express, The Pizza Company and Dairy Queen. The franchises are managed by Thailand-based Minor International, which also operates four resorts in the Maldives.
A separate USD 800 million mega project has been launched by the government to expand and upgrade the Maldives’ main gateway. The project includes construction of a new runway and terminal and establishment of support infrastructure and services in order to allow the airport to cater to at least seven million passengers per annum.
Ali Naafiz
