VIA relocates domestic flight operations to old terminal
Domestic flight operations at Velana International Airport were relocated to the former international terminal on Tuesday. The relocation follows the opening of the airport’s new international terminal in July last year. After the new terminal became operational, renovation work began on the former international terminal to accommodate domestic flight services. Domestic operations were officially transferred […]
MACL presents first Velana Awards for aviation sector
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) on Thursday presented the Velana Awards, marking the first award programme dedicated to the aviation sector in the Maldives. The ceremony was held at Crossroads Maldives and was attended by MACL’s Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, members of the MACL board, senior management, and representatives from […]
Greater Bay Airlines introduces charter services to Maldives
Greater Bay Airlines of Hong Kong has commenced charter operations to the Maldives, marking a further expansion of the country’s air links with the East Asian region. The airline’s first service, HB2500, touched down at Velana International Airport Sunday and was received with a traditional water salute to commemorate the milestone. A total of 174 […]
Maldives Airports Company Limited launches Maldives’ first aviation industry awards
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has introduced the first-ever award for the aviation industry in the Maldives, titled the “Velana Awards.” The awards will be presented annually to recognise and appreciate the invaluable efforts of Velana International Airport (VIA) partners in strengthening travel connectivity, improving service quality, and maintaining the Maldives as a leading destination […]
Maldives’ main airport records 7% increase in passenger traffic in 2025
Velana International Airport served 8 million passengers last year, an increase of 7 per cent compared to 2024, the airport operator, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), said on Thursday. According to figures released by MACL, the total number of passengers handled during the year included: 5.38 million international passengers 1.17 million domestic passengers 1.73 million […]
VIA records second-highest daily passenger total this year
Velana International Airport handled a total of 27,000 passengers on Sunday, making it one of the busiest operational days for the Maldives’ main international airport. Passenger traffic increased as tourists arrived during the peak tourism season, while residents travelled overseas and to outer islands during the school holidays. Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) said Sunday […]
MACL, MNU partner to develop hotel school, training resort in Laamu Atoll
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) and the Maldives National University (MNU) have signed an agreement to establish a hotel school and resort in L. Hulhimendhoo. The agreement was signed on Tuesday during a meeting held in L. Maamendhoo as part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to Laamu Atoll. MACL’s Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef signed […]
First phase of VIA Taxiway Charlie redevelopment completed ahead of schedule
The first phase of renovation works on the former runway at Velana International Airport (VIA), now functioning as Taxiway Charlie, has been completed. The redevelopment contract for Taxiway Charlie was awarded to China’s BUCG in October 2024, with physical works beginning on 10 April. According to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the project is being […]
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’ main airport handles 4 million passengers in first half of 2025
Velana International Airport (VIA) recorded 4 million passengers in the first six months of 2025, according to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL). This represents a 4% increase compared to the same period in 2024. From January to June, VIA handled: 2.6 million passengers on international flights 579,079 passengers on domestic flights 859,797 passengers on seaplane […]
Maldives welcomes 1,000-member Indian incentive group in landmark MICE event
Visit Maldives Corporation, in collaboration with Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), arranged a special welcome at Velana International Airport for a 1,000-member incentive group from India, organised by the prominent Indian travel platform PickYourTrail. This significant MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) visit highlights the Maldives’ growing appeal as a premier destination for corporate and […]
Maldives main airport’s new terminal serves first flight
A flight from Cochin landed at the newly opened international terminal of Velana International Airport (VIA) on Sunday, marking the first arrival at the new facility. The Airbus A330 operated as the maiden flight to use the terminal, according to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL). The aircraft was greeted with a water salute upon arrival. […]
