A major milestone in the expansion of Velana International Airport’s international gateway was marked recently as Beijing Capital Airlines began operating from the newly built Passenger Terminal 1. The arrival of the Chinese carrier highlights the growing demand for direct air links between China and the Maldives, a key market in the country’s tourism industry.
The inaugural flight, JD455-6, touched down with 276 passengers and was warmly received with a traditional Maldivian welcome, including a ceremonial water salute and cultural performances at the terminal. The airline also commenced its outbound operations from the new terminal the same day, with 248 passengers departing on the return flight, each receiving a commemorative gift bag provided by the airline.
Beijing Capital Airlines becomes the fifth airline to move operations to the new terminal, following national carrier Maldivian, premium luxury airline Beond, UAE-based Air Arabia, and Sri Lanka’s Fitz Air. The new Passenger Terminal 1, which is part of the government’s broader efforts to enhance infrastructure for growing tourism traffic, is being progressively brought into full service by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL). The addition of Beijing Capital Airlines, a low-cost airline based at Beijing Daxing International Airport, is a notable step in enhancing accessibility from China, a country that consistently ranks among the top source markets for Maldivian tourism.
The occasion was marked by an official ceremony, attended by key figures including Adhil Moosa, former Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of MACL, who currently leads Treetop Hospital. His presence underscored the importance of the airport’s development initiatives in supporting both tourism and broader economic activities in the Maldives.
According to MACL, the phased transition of airlines to Terminal 1 will continue, with two more international airlines scheduled to begin operations from the terminal within the week. The expansion of terminal usage is expected to improve passenger handling capacity and enhance the travel experience, with modern facilities designed to accommodate the increasing number of arrivals.
The addition of more carriers to Terminal 1 not only diversifies air connectivity but also reinforces the Maldives’ commitment to offering seamless travel experiences to international visitors. As the Maldives continues to attract travelers from around the globe, the ongoing enhancements at Velana International Airport play a critical role in supporting the island nation’s tourism-led economic development.
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