Maldives sees record private jet arrivals ahead of New Year holidays

Velana International Airport (VIA) is witnessing an influx of private jets primarily used by affluent tourists as the holiday season approaches.

Annually, a substantial number of tourists, including those arriving on private jets, flock to the Maldives during the New Year and winter holidays. VIA, the primary airport in the Maldives, is gearing up for this surge in visitor arrivals.

Airport operator, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), assured readiness for the anticipated peak season, stating: “The VIA now boasts a total of 68 designated jet parking spots.”

This marks a record high in the number of private jets accommodated at the airport, up from the previous capacity of 39 aircraft at any given time.

The expansion of parking areas, notably in the vicinity of the new fuel farm and in the northwest zone, has facilitated this increase. These developments are part of MACL’s initiative to cater to the escalating air travel demand during the winter holiday season.

This year, Maldives has already welcomed 1.8 million tourists. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the daily average influx during this period ranges between 6,000 and 7,000 tourists.