Ahmed Ziyad, CEO of Asia Forwarding and a prominent businessman, has revealed that repeated proposals to the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) to secure commercial space for a world-renowned international franchise at Velana International Airport’s (VIA) new terminal have been unsuccessful.
Ziyad made these remarks in response to a Facebook post by Mohamed Firaq, CEO of Inner Maldives.
In his post, Firaq expressed hope that the self-service kiosks at the KFC outlet in the airport’s departure terminal would soon become operational. He noted that this is essential to reducing long queues at counters and providing faster, more convenient service to passengers.
Commenting on the post, Ziyad said that he had proposed bringing a prestigious brand to the Maldives—one with a history spanning over 137 years, operating more than 750 outlets across 47 countries, and maintaining a successful presence in major global airports.
He further detailed that he has been persistently seeking space in the new terminal, offering a revenue-sharing model to facilitate the brand’s entry.
Ziyad emphasized that establishing such a high-profile brand at the forefront of the new terminal would enhance the Maldives' image among international travellers.
The issue of MACL declining space for a new franchise comes amid previous controversies regarding the allocation of commercial spaces at the new terminal. Allegations had surfaced that some spaces were awarded without public tender during the terminal's opening phase, though the company has remained silent on these matters.
