Aeroflot has become the latest international carrier to commence operations from Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport (VIA), further strengthening the airport’s ongoing terminal transition programme and enhancing the arrival and departure experience for travellers to the Maldives. A special ceremony was held at the airport to mark Aeroflot’s move to the new terminal, with the Principal Secretary to the President on Policy and Manifesto, Hussain Fahmy, attending as the chief guest. Also present at the event were Aeroflot General Manager for the Maldives Evgeny Ratushnyy, Consul General of the Russian Federation in the Maldives Aleksei Idamkin, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, and MACL Exco Members, reflecting the importance of the transition for both aviation partners and the wider tourism sector.
During the event, Aeroflot’s check-in counters at Terminal 1 were officially opened, with gifts presented to departing passengers to commemorate the occasion. Passengers arriving on the inaugural Aeroflot flight operating from Terminal 1 received a warm Maldivian welcome featuring traditional cultural performances, underscoring the destination’s renowned hospitality from the very first point of entry. The transition is expected to contribute to smoother passenger flow and service consistency for Aeroflot customers, while supporting the airport’s broader efforts to modernise operations and elevate standards for global travellers visiting the Maldives for leisure, business, and long-stay holidays.
Aeroflot, the flag carrier and largest airline of Russia, is the 39th airline to transition to Terminal 1, highlighting the steady progress of MACL’s terminal migration plan. With the Maldives continuing to attract a diverse mix of international visitors, improvements at VIA play a crucial role in reinforcing confidence among airlines, tour operators, and travel trade partners worldwide. MACL has stated that it aims to transition all airlines to the new terminal by the end of 2025, signalling a clear direction towards a fully consolidated terminal operation that is designed to support the country’s tourism-led economy and deliver a more seamless travel experience for passengers arriving in the Maldives.
advertisment
advertisment
