Velana International Airport (VIA) welcomed 2.35 million passengers during the first quarter of 2026, reflecting continued strength in the Maldives’ aviation and tourism sectors and reinforcing the country’s position as one of the world’s most desirable island destinations. The latest figures show a four per cent increase compared to the same period last year, highlighting sustained travel demand and the growing importance of the airport as the principal gateway to the Maldives for leisure, business and inter-island travel.
The passenger total includes international and domestic travellers as well as those using seaplane services, underlining the unique structure of Maldivian transport and the close integration between aviation and the nation’s high-end tourism industry. International services accounted for the largest share of passenger traffic, with 1.53 million arrivals and departures recorded during the three-month period. Domestic services handled 317,286 passengers, while 498,411 passengers travelled on seaplane services, reflecting the essential role of resort transfers and domestic connectivity in supporting tourism across the archipelago.
These figures also demonstrate the continued resilience and appeal of the Maldives as a premium travel destination for visitors from around the world. The strong use of seaplane services is particularly significant, as it reflects robust visitor movement to luxury island resorts and remote destinations that form a central part of the country’s tourism offering. For many international guests, the journey to a Maldivian resort extends beyond arrival at the main airport and continues through scenic domestic and seaplane transfers, which have become an iconic part of the visitor experience. The high volume of such movements during the first quarter indicates healthy occupancy trends and sustained interest in the resort segment, which remains a major pillar of the national economy.
Operational activity at VIA also registered notable growth during the quarter. A total of 72,128 air traffic movements were recorded, representing a five per cent increase compared to the previous year. This included 9,978 international flights, 7,556 domestic flights and 54,594 seaplane movements. The steady increase in aircraft movements reflects expanding airline activity, stronger passenger throughput and the broader momentum of the tourism and hospitality industries, which continue to benefit from the Maldives’ strong international brand and reputation for exclusive resort experiences.
Passenger traffic patterns during the quarter further illustrate the airport’s capacity to manage high-demand periods efficiently. The highest number of passengers using wheel-based aircraft was recorded on 11 January, when 28,360 travellers passed through the airport. Seaplane operations reached their peak on 15 February, with 9,351 passengers recorded on a single day. These peaks highlight the scale of demand experienced during the high tourist season, when resorts across the Maldives welcome guests seeking the country’s distinctive blend of luxury, privacy, marine beauty and personalised hospitality.
Among the notable developments during the quarter was the commencement of operations by Greater Bay Airlines, which introduced new connectivity from China. This expansion is expected to further support visitor arrivals from one of Asia’s most significant outbound travel markets and strengthen the Maldives’ accessibility for a broader range of international travellers. Enhanced connectivity from key source markets is especially important for the resort industry, which depends on efficient and reliable international access to sustain growth, diversify visitor arrivals and support long-term investment confidence.
Another major contributor to the quarter’s performance has been the opening of Terminal One at VIA, which has improved passenger flow and convenience across airport operations. With the terminal now handling international flights, domestic operations have also been relocated within the facility, supporting a more streamlined travel experience for passengers. The improved infrastructure is particularly valuable for visitors transferring onward to resorts and domestic destinations, as seamless airport processes play an increasingly important role in shaping overall travel satisfaction and reinforcing the Maldives’ standing as a world-class hospitality destination.
As the main gateway to the Maldives, VIA continues to serve not only as a transport hub but also as a vital component of the country’s tourism ecosystem. Operated by Maldives Airports Company Limited, the airport remains central to supporting the growth of the national economy, facilitating global access to the country’s renowned resorts and enabling smooth connections across the islands. The strong first-quarter performance of 2026 reflects positive momentum for the months ahead and signals continued confidence in the Maldives as a leading destination for international travellers seeking exceptional island experiences.
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