Velana International Airport handled eight million passengers over the past year, reflecting a seven per cent increase compared to 2024, according to figures released by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), highlighting the sustained growth of the Maldives’ aviation sector and the country’s continued appeal as a premier international tourism destination. The increase underscores rising global demand for Maldivian travel experiences, driven by strong connectivity, expanding airline partnerships, and the continued development of world-class resort offerings across the archipelago.
Of the total passenger volume, 5.38 million were international travelers, demonstrating robust inbound tourism from key markets across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. Domestic travel accounted for 1.17 million passengers, reflecting strong inter-island connectivity that supports both tourism operations and local mobility. In addition, 1.73 million passengers traveled by seaplane, reaffirming the vital role of air transfers in connecting visitors directly to resort islands and remote destinations spread across the country’s atolls.
MACL reported that the highest number of wheel-based passengers handled in a single day was recorded on 28 December, when 27,381 passengers passed through the airport, indicating peak-season demand during the year-end holiday period. Meanwhile, seaplane operations reached their highest daily volume on 16 February, with 7,439 passengers, illustrating the consistent and high-volume reliance on aerial transfers to reach island resorts and luxury properties.
Air traffic movements also showed strong growth, with a total of 249,214 movements recorded during the year, representing an eight per cent increase compared to 2024. These movements included 34,868 international flights, 28,348 domestic flights, and 185,998 seaplane movements, reflecting the scale and complexity of aviation operations required to support the Maldives’ dispersed geography and resort-based tourism model.
The steady rise in passenger numbers and flight activity mirrors the continued expansion of the Maldivian tourism sector, which is anchored by a diverse portfolio of high-end resorts, boutique island retreats, and integrated leisure developments. Resorts across the country continue to invest in enhanced guest experiences, sustainability initiatives, and premium services, strengthening the Maldives’ reputation for luxury, privacy, and natural beauty. Direct seaplane and domestic connections from Velana International Airport allow guests to access resorts swiftly and comfortably, offering seamless transitions from international arrival to island escape.
Industry observers note that the growth also reflects MACL’s ongoing infrastructure improvements and operational enhancements aimed at increasing capacity, improving passenger comfort, and supporting future traffic demand. These developments are expected to further reinforce Velana International Airport’s role as the primary gateway to the Maldives and as a strategic hub within the Indian Ocean region.
With strong performance indicators across international, domestic, and seaplane segments, the latest figures signal continued momentum for the Maldives’ tourism and aviation industries. The sustained growth positions the country favorably for further expansion, supporting economic development, employment generation, and long-term resilience of one of the world’s most sought-after island destinations.
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