SriLankan Airlines has commenced passenger operations from the new Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport, strengthening air connectivity between the Maldives and Sri Lanka while supporting the country’s growing tourism sector. A special ceremony was held at Terminal 1 to mark the occasion, attended by the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Maldives, Mohamed Rizvi Hassen, SriLankan Airlines Country Manager Nayomi Thenakoon, and senior officials from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL). Their presence underscored the importance of SriLankan Airlines as a long-standing partner for the Maldives, connecting Malé to key markets and facilitating travel for both tourists heading to resorts across the archipelago and Maldivians travelling abroad.
As part of the commencement of operations, SriLankan Airlines’ dedicated check-in counters at Terminal 1 were officially opened to passengers. To celebrate the first day of service from the new terminal, gifts were presented to 115 departing passengers, adding a personalised touch to the enhanced travel experience. At the same time, a welcoming programme featuring cultural activities was organised for 277 passengers arriving on flight UL101, the first SriLankan Airlines service to operate from Terminal 1. The warm reception reflected the hospitality for which the Maldives is renowned and highlighted the role of Velana International Airport as the primary gateway to the country’s island resorts and guesthouses.
SriLankan Airlines is the second carrier from Sri Lanka to begin services from Terminal 1, further deepening aviation ties between the two neighbouring countries. The airline first launched flights to the Maldives on 1 September 1979 and has since maintained a continuous presence in the market, becoming one of the key regional carriers serving holidaymakers, business travellers, and Maldivian residents alike. With many visitors using Colombo as a transit point to reach resort islands and other international destinations, the continued strengthening of SriLankan Airlines’ operations is expected to support tourism flows and provide more seamless connections for travellers heading to Maldivian resorts.
With the addition of SriLankan Airlines, Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport is now serving 33 airlines. MACL has reiterated that its objective is to provide a high standard of service and modern facilities to all airlines operating to the Maldives as operations expand at the new terminal. The transition of airlines to Terminal 1 is expected to contribute to smoother passenger handling, improved check-in and boarding experiences, and enhanced overall comfort for travellers en route to resorts and islands across the country. This development is another reflection of the Maldives’ continued investment in aviation infrastructure to support the tourism industry, which remains the backbone of the national economy and a key driver of demand for high-quality airport services.
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