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 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 […]
