Velana International Airport (VIA), the principal international gateway to the Maldives, has been nominated for two prestigious global titles at the World Travel Awards 2026, further strengthening the airport’s growing international recognition and the Maldives’ position as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations.
VIA is competing for World’s Leading Airport 2026 and World’s Leading Airport – Customer Experience 2026, following its success in securing the title of Indian Ocean’s Leading Airport 2026 at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony held in the Maldives in September.
The nominations place Velana International Airport alongside some of the world’s most recognised aviation hubs. In the World’s Leading Airport category, VIA is competing with major international gateways including Singapore Changi Airport, Dubai International Airport, Hong Kong International Airport, iGA Istanbul Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport and Zurich Airport.
The airport is also competing against several leading global airports in the customer experience category, reflecting increasing international recognition of efforts undertaken to improve passenger services and enhance the overall travel experience at the Maldives’ main international airport.
The recognition comes as the Government continues to prioritise the expansion and modernisation of the country’s aviation infrastructure to support the sustained growth of the tourism sector. As the primary arrival point for millions of international travellers visiting the Maldives, VIA plays a crucial role in connecting the island nation with key tourism markets across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and other regions.
Recent developments at the airport are aimed at strengthening passenger-handling capacity, improving operational efficiency and delivering a more convenient and modern airport experience. These improvements are particularly significant for the Maldives, where efficient international aviation connectivity remains essential to the continued development of tourism and the broader national economy.
VIA’s latest nominations also build on the Maldives’ strong performance at the World Travel Awards 2026, where the country and several Maldivian tourism and aviation operators received regional recognition. The achievements further demonstrate the increasing competitiveness of the Maldives across the global travel, tourism and aviation industries.
Maldives Airports Company Limited has encouraged Maldivians, travellers and tourism industry partners to support Velana International Airport by voting in both global categories. Public voting remains open until 30 October 2026.
The winners will be determined through votes cast by travel and tourism professionals and members of the public, with the results expected to be announced at the World Travel Awards Grand Final later this year.
Success at the global awards would represent another important international achievement for Velana International Airport and reinforce the Maldives’ efforts to develop a modern, internationally competitive aviation gateway capable of supporting the country’s expanding tourism industry and long-term economic development.
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