US-Bangla Airlines has officially commenced operations at Terminal 1 of Velana International Airport (VIA), enhancing the Maldives’ connectivity with South Asia and beyond. The arrival of Bangladesh’s largest private airline marks a continued progression in the strategic expansion of VIA’s new terminal facility, aimed at delivering an elevated travel experience for international passengers.
A special ceremony was held on Sunday to celebrate this latest development, attended by key aviation stakeholders including Munaz Ali, Chairman of the Airlines Operators Committee, who participated as Chief Guest. Also in attendance were Station Manager of US-Bangla Airlines, Zahidul Islam, and representatives from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), which operates VIA.
The event marked the official inauguration of US-Bangla Airlines’ check-in counters at the new terminal, and MACL hosted a warm Maldivian-style welcome to commemorate the occasion. The airline’s first inbound flight to the terminal, BS337, landed with 176 passengers and was greeted with traditional cultural performances, reflecting Maldivian hospitality. Departing passengers, 108 in total were gifted souvenirs to mark the milestone.
US-Bangla Airlines brings an extensive network to the Maldives, further cementing its position as Bangladesh’s biggest airline in terms of fleet size. Its operations from Terminal 1 contribute to the expanding list of international carriers now utilizing the upgraded facility. With this addition, a total of 20 airlines now operate from Terminal 1, a figure that continues to grow as MACL transitions more carriers to the new terminal.
Edelweiss Air, the leisure airline headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, has commenced operations from Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport (VIA). The airline was welcomed with a ceremonial water salute, symbolizing the continued growth of international air services at the Maldives’ main gateway. With this addition, Edelweiss Air becomes the 22nd carrier to transition to VIA’s new terminal, reinforcing its status as a key hub for inbound leisure travel from Europe.
In parallel, Uzbekistan Airways has officially begun operating from Terminal 1, joining the expanding list of international airlines utilizing the upgraded facility. This strategic shift supports enhanced passenger services and increased operational efficiency for both carriers and travelers.
Sichuan Airlines, based in China, has also relocated its operations to Terminal 1, becoming the 19th airline to do so. The continued migration of carriers highlights Velana International Airport’s commitment to improving infrastructure to meet the growing demands of global passenger traffic.
Air India, a major South Asian airline, has likewise joined the lineup of carriers now operating out of Terminal 1. The airline’s first flight through the new terminal was honored with a water salute, celebrating the ongoing development of the airport’s international services.
These expansions reflect the broader efforts by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) to enhance the travel experience and operational capacity at VIA, in line with the increasing influx of international tourists to the Maldives.
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