Velana International Airport (VIA) has recorded its highest-ever monthly outbound transshipment cargo volume, with total Sea-to-Air and Air-to-Air cargo exceeding 2,000 tonnes in July 2026, marking a significant achievement in the continued development of the Maldives’ international cargo and logistics sector.
The July performance represents the first time outbound transshipment cargo handled through VIA has surpassed the 2,000-tonne threshold within a single month, exceeding all previous monthly records at the country’s principal international gateway. The strong result reflects the increasing utilization of Velana International Airport for international freight transfers and the growing importance of the Maldives within regional and global logistics networks.
Sea-to-Air cargo operations delivered particularly strong results during the month, reaching their highest monthly volume since the service was introduced. A total of 621 tonnes of cargo was uplifted through Sea-to-Air operations in July, establishing a new record for this segment of VIA’s cargo business and demonstrating the growing commercial potential of combining maritime and aviation connectivity through the Maldives.
The Sea-to-Air model enables cargo transported by sea to the Maldives to be transferred efficiently onto international air services for onward delivery to overseas markets. Supported by the Maldives’ strategic geographical position along major shipping and aviation routes in the Indian Ocean, this provides international freight operators with additional options for connecting markets across Asia, Europe and other destinations.
The record performance further strengthens Velana International Airport’s emerging position as a multimodal logistics gateway capable of supporting both air-to-air and sea-to-air cargo movements. The expansion of transshipment operations also demonstrates how the Maldives can leverage its geographical location and international aviation connectivity beyond passenger travel and tourism, creating opportunities for greater participation in regional freight, trade and logistics activities.
As the primary international aviation gateway of the Maldives, VIA continues to play an increasingly important role in supporting the country’s economic connectivity. Strengthening cargo handling and transshipment capabilities complements the broader development of national transport infrastructure and supports the Government’s efforts to enhance the Maldives’ connectivity with international markets and diversify opportunities associated with the aviation and logistics sectors.
The achievement also reflects continued attention to improving cargo capabilities, operational efficiency and the reliability of international freight movements through Velana International Airport. Efficient cargo transfers are particularly important for businesses and logistics operators seeking faster connections between production centres, maritime routes and major international consumer markets.
With more than 2,000 tonnes of outbound transshipment cargo handled during July and Sea-to-Air operations alone accounting for a record 621 tonnes, VIA’s latest performance demonstrates growing confidence in the airport’s cargo services. Continued development of these capabilities is expected to further strengthen the Maldives’ position as a strategically located gateway for international freight movement across the Indian Ocean and between major global markets.
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