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 issues congestion advisory as VIA expects 11,000 passengers
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has advised staff working at Velana International Airport (VIA) terminals to follow operational procedures closely to reduce congestion, as Sunday is expected to be a high-traffic day for the airport. In a message circulated to airport personnel, MACL shared projected passenger figures for the day. According to the estimates, the […]
Maldives’ main airport to install e-gates before January
President Mohamed Muizzu said on Wednesday that e-gates are being installed at Velana International Airport (VIA) to reduce the time spent at border control counters. In a post on social media, the President said e-gates equipped with modern technology have been installed in Terminal 1, the new terminal, to address long queues at immigration counters. […]
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 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. […]
Maldives’ main airport opens new international terminal
The new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) was officially opened on Saturday evening at a ceremony officiated by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The terminal was inaugurated nine years after the commencement of construction. According to government officials, the project is the largest infrastructure development undertaken in the Maldives to date. The national airline, Maldivian, […]
Fresh face for Velana International Airport: Inside new passenger terminal
The new international passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) is scheduled to open on Saturday night, marking a significant expansion of the airport’s infrastructure. According to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the terminal was developed at a cost of approximately MVR 7 billion. It is designed to accommodate the growing number of international travellers […]
HIH brings Maldivian traditions to MACL team in pre-opening tribute
The team at Hulhule Island Hotel (HIH) paid a special visit to the new passenger terminal of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), bringing with them a thoughtfully curated array of traditional Maldivian cuisine as a gesture of appreciation for the dedicated team working towards the terminal’s imminent opening. The initiative, aptly named Dhekumaadhiun, was a […]
Maldives prepares for new aviation era with July 26 airport terminal opening
A countdown to the inauguration of the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport was launched by Maldives Airports Company Ltd (MACL) Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Ibrahim Mohamed Shareef. The official opening is scheduled for 26 July 2025, coinciding with the nation’s Independence Day. The event marks a significant milestone in the country’s […]
Maldives reports 90% completion of VIA terminal, outlines national aviation development
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced on Saturday that 90% of the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) has been completed. The update was shared during a press conference held at the President’s Office, where he presented details of ongoing government projects, including airport development initiatives across the Maldives. According to the President, the […]
