Gulf Air has officially begun operations at the newly developed Terminal 1 of Velana International Airport (VIA), marking a notable enhancement in the Maldives’ airport infrastructure. The commencement was celebrated with a special inaugural ceremony attended by high-level officials including Visit Maldives Corporation Chairman Abdulla Giyas, Gulf Air Airport Manager Mohamed Arshadh Mohamed Navaas, and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) Deputy Managing Director Mujthaba Latheef, alongside other senior representatives.
As part of the event, Gulf Air inaugurated its check-in counters at the new terminal and offered gifts to 77 passengers on its departing flight. The airline’s first flight from Terminal 1, GF145, received a ceremonial water salute upon arrival. Meanwhile, the 18 passengers arriving on the flight were warmly welcomed with traditional Maldivian cultural performances, creating a memorable experience that reflects the nation’s hospitality and vibrant heritage.
Gulf Air, the national airline of the Kingdom of Bahrain, currently operates daily flights connecting Bahrain, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Its integration into Terminal 1 makes it the ninth airline to relocate operations to the new facility and the second carrier from the Middle East to join the terminal’s expanding list of international operators.
Other airlines now operating from Terminal 1 include Maldivian (the national carrier of the Maldives), Air Arabia, FitsAir, Beyond, Beijing Capital Airlines, Batik Air, Bangkok Airways, and IndiGo. This expansion highlights Velana International Airport’s increasing capacity to accommodate a broader network of regional and international airlines, reflecting growing passenger demand and tourism-driven growth.
MACL reaffirmed its commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure and high-quality service standards for all partner airlines operating from Terminal 1. With its state-of-the-art design and enhanced passenger facilities, Terminal 1 is expected to improve travel efficiency and comfort for millions of passengers flying into the Maldives, a destination globally recognized for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and luxury tourism.
The launch of operations for Gulf Air at the new terminal reflects the Maldives’ ongoing dedication to strengthening international connectivity, particularly with the Middle East, one of its key tourism markets. As Velana International Airport continues its phased terminal opening, such partnerships are instrumental in elevating the country’s status as a top-tier global travel hub.
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