Maldives Emerges as a Strategic Transshipment Hub with 300% Surge in Sea-to-Air Cargo Operations

The Maldives is fast gaining momentum as a key logistics hub in the Indian Ocean, with Velana International Airport (VIA) recording a 300% increase in sea-to-air cargo transshipment in just under a year. This rapid growth highlights the country’s strategic potential in global cargo movement and logistics.

The surge follows the launch of a hybrid Sea-to-Air Cargo Transshipment service by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) in partnership with Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) in March 2023. The initiative was developed to integrate sea and air freight capabilities, providing a streamlined and efficient transport solution for regional and international trade.

Speaking on PSM’s Raajje Miadhu programme as part of MACL’s 59th anniversary celebrations, Mahmoodha Shareef, Senior General Manager overseeing the Aerodrome and Cargo Departments, emphasized that the expansion was made possible by relocating import and export operations to a newly developed cargo terminal. This upgrade tripled the handling capacity and allowed the airport to scale up its services to meet rising demand.

Mahmoodha noted that the Maldives holds a geographically advantageous position, enabling it to receive maritime cargo from regional ports such as Colombo and Chattogram and re-export them by air, particularly to Europe. “Unlike many of our neighboring countries, we meet European Union cargo operation standards, which gives us direct access to European markets,” she said.

The new terminal, purpose-built for cargo handling, has enabled MACL to offer a comprehensive range of international-standard services. With a dozen leading international airlines now facilitating transshipment through this system, the Maldives is steadily transforming into a preferred logistics gateway between Asia and Europe.

MACL anticipates further growth in the sector, driven by increased demand for efficient multimodal freight solutions and the country’s continued investment in cargo infrastructure. The Maldives’ growing reputation as a transit hub not only enhances its economic landscape but also underscores its commitment to innovation and connectivity in global trade.

For foreign investors and visitors alike, this milestone reflects the Maldives’ expanding role in regional development, beyond its world-renowned natural beauty and tourism offerings.