Velana International Airport experienced one of its busiest operational days on Sunday, handling a total of 27,000 passengers, reflecting the strong momentum of Maldives’ tourism sector and increased regional mobility during the school holiday period. The surge in passenger traffic was driven by a steady flow of international tourists arriving for the peak travel season, alongside Maldivian residents travelling overseas and to the outer islands, underscoring the airport’s central role as the country’s primary gateway.
According to figures released by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the day marked the second-highest passenger volume recorded at Velana International Airport so far this year. The international terminal served 22,142 passengers in total, with arrivals numbering 11,107 and departures reaching 11,035, demonstrating balanced inbound and outbound international travel activity.
Domestic connectivity also remained strong, with the domestic terminal handling 4,843 passengers, including 2,652 departures and 2,191 arrivals. In addition, a total of 239 aircraft movements were recorded throughout the day, highlighting the intensity of operations and the airport’s capacity to manage high volumes of both international and domestic flights efficiently.
MACL Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed noted that the airport successfully navigated one of its busiest days of operation, while acknowledging the temporary congestion associated with peak travel demand. He stated that further measures are being planned to reduce queue times and enhance overall processing efficiency. Despite the high passenger volumes, he added that travellers have reported a noticeably improved experience following the opening of the new terminal, reinforcing ongoing efforts to elevate service standards and support the Maldives’ growing appeal as a global travel destination.
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