Seaplane check-in services have officially commenced at the new Terminal 1 of Velana International Airport, introducing a smoother start to domestic connections for travellers heading to the Maldives’ resort destinations. Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) said the new arrangement is designed to improve ease and convenience for passengers continuing their journey by seaplane, with the check-in counters now positioned in an air-conditioned area that offers greater comfort especially for international arrivals transitioning from long-haul flights to island transfers. Located adjacent to the arrivals gate at Terminal 1, the counters allow guests to complete formalities quickly before being transported onward to the Noovilu seaplane terminal for departure, helping to streamline the overall transfer experience that is central to the Maldives’ premium resort offering.
For many visitors, the seaplane journey is a signature part of the Maldivian holiday linking the international gateway in Malé to remote atolls and private islands where resorts deliver world-class hospitality, privacy, and panoramic aerial views of turquoise lagoons and coral reefs. By placing seaplane check-in near the arrivals flow and within a climate-controlled environment, the updated process supports a more relaxed and resort-ready transition, reducing time spent navigating between facilities and enhancing the welcome experience from the moment guests enter the country. MACL noted that trial operations were carried out in December last year ahead of the launch, conducted in collaboration with national carrier Maldivian and Villa Group’s seaplane operator FlyMe, ensuring readiness for operational demand and coordination between airport and aviation partners.
Terminal 1 became operational in July last year, yet seaplane check-in services had continued from the old terminal building until now. The expansion reflects the airport’s wider development trajectory and the Maldives’ commitment to strengthening travel infrastructure alongside sustained growth in high-end tourism. Developed at a cost of USD 457 million equivalent to around MVR 7 billion Terminal 1 currently supports operations for 39 airlines, with Aeroflot being the most recent carrier to transition its services to the new terminal. With improved passenger handling and a more integrated transfer pathway for seaplane travellers, the latest enhancement reinforces the Maldives’ reputation for seamless connectivity between international arrivals and its renowned collection of resort experiences across the archipelago.
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