Emirates, one of the national airlines of the United Arab Emirates, has commenced operations from the new passenger terminal, Terminal 1, at Velana International Airport, becoming the 36th airline to operate from the state-of-the-art facility. The inaugural operation marks a further enhancement of the Maldives’ connectivity with key global markets, reinforcing the country’s position as a premier luxury travel destination.
To celebrate the airline’s transition to Terminal 1, a special ceremony was held at Velana International Airport. The event was graced by Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim as chief guest, underscoring the importance the Maldivian government places on strong partnerships with international carriers. Also attending were Emirates’ Country Manager for the Maldives and Sri Lanka, Jaber Mohamed, senior officials from Emirates, and managers and officials from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the operator of the airport.
During the ceremony, Emirates’ dedicated check-in counters at the new terminal were officially inaugurated, signaling a more seamless and efficient experience for passengers travelling to and from the Maldives. As part of the occasion, 310 departing passengers were presented with special gifts, reflecting Emirates’ emphasis on service excellence and hospitality. Additionally, the first 298 passengers arriving in the Maldives on an Emirates flight operating from Terminal 1 were welcomed with traditional Maldivian cultural performances, offering visitors an immediate taste of the country’s rich heritage and warm island hospitality.
The start of Emirates’ operations from Terminal 1 is expected to further elevate the overall travel experience for tourists heading to the Maldives’ world-renowned resorts and guesthouses. With modern infrastructure, expanded capacity and improved passenger facilities, the new terminal is designed to handle increasing visitor demand while supporting the premium expectations of travellers flying on leading global airlines such as Emirates. This enhanced gateway experience aligns closely with the Maldives’ reputation for high-end tourism, where guests often connect swiftly from international flights to resort speedboats and seaplanes for seamless onward journeys to their chosen island retreats.
Emirates is the fourth airline from the United Arab Emirates to operate from Terminal 1, reflecting the growing importance of the Maldives as a preferred destination for travelers from the Middle East and beyond. The airline has a long-standing relationship with the Maldives, having served the destination since 27 May 1987. Over the decades, Emirates has played a key role in supporting the country’s tourism growth by offering convenient connections from major cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and other regions, making it easier for guests to access Maldivian resorts renowned for their overwater villas, pristine beaches and bespoke luxury experiences.
As more airlines transition to Terminal 1, the Maldives is well-positioned to welcome increasing numbers of visitors seeking premium holiday experiences. The collaboration between the government, airport operator and international carriers such as Emirates highlights a shared commitment to continuous improvement in service standards and infrastructure, ultimately benefiting resort operators, tourism businesses and guests from around the world.
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