Air Arabia becomes first international carrier to operate from Maldives airport’s new terminal

Air Arabia has become the first international airline to begin operations from the newly opened international passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA), marking a significant milestone in the airport’s operational history.

The inaugural flight was celebrated with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting on Wednesday, symbolising the official start of international passenger services from the new terminal. Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) noted that this event represents an important step in transitioning airline operations to the expanded facility.

The new terminal was officially inaugurated on July 26 by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, nine years after construction began. According to government officials, it is the largest infrastructure development project ever undertaken in the Maldives.

Operations at the terminal will be a phased approach. The first phase, running through July and August, will see several airlines relocating, accounting for about one-third of flights and 12 per cent of passenger departures. Airlines shifting during this stage include Maldivian, Chongqing Airlines, BeOnd, Xiamen Airlines, Oman Air, Fits Aviation, US-Bangla Airlines, Air Arabia, Bangkok Airways, and Batik Air. A second phase in September will involve further airline relocations, the opening of commercial areas and lounges, and additional system testing.

The terminal, built by the Saudi Binladin Group with subcontracted works by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), was initially estimated at USD 350 million (MVR 5.3 billion). Costs have since increased to USD 457 million (MVR 7 billion).

Designed to handle 7.5 million passengers annually, the new facility features 40 departure gates, 38 immigration counters, and newly installed aerobridges to improve passenger boarding and disembarkation.