VIA witnesses record breaking 649 seaplane movements in a single day

Velana International Airport (VIA) witnessed record breaking 649 seaplane movements on 2 January 2024.

According to VIA, this number surpassed last year’s 635 seaplane movements, a testament to the increasing popularity of Maldives as tourist destination. The notable increase in tourism in 2023—which saw the most tourists in the country’s history—is credited for the seaplane movement’s upsurge. The Maldives maintained its position as the World’s Leading Destination for a fourth year in a row with 1,878,537 visitors last year.

The cooperation between the three seaplane operators in the nation has surely helped Velana International Airport handle the increase in air traffic with efficiency.

The airport administration has recommended customers heading abroad to arrive at the airport three hours in advance due to the busy tourism season. In order to provide guests with a seamless experience amidst the increased activity, this preventive step attempts to expedite the check-in and boarding procedures.