The aviation landscape of the Maldives has entered a new chapter with the successful arrival of the first commercial flight at the newly inaugurated international passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA). Operated by the national airline, Maldivian, the wide-body Airbus A330 touched down on Sunday from Cochin, carrying approximately 100 passengers, marking the terminal’s operational debut less than a day after its ceremonial opening.
A grand water salute celebrated the historic moment as the aircraft became the first to dock at one of the terminal’s brand-new passenger boarding bridges. In a tribute to national identity, Maldivian’s cabin crew wore traditional attire onboard the inaugural flight. Upon arrival, passengers were warmly welcomed by senior government officials and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) leadership, including Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen, Minister of Finance and Treasury Moosa Zameer, and Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim. They were joined by MACL’s CEO Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, the company’s Chairman and Deputy Managing Directors, along with officials from Maldivian Airlines.
Spanning 72,000 square meters, the new terminal is designed to handle 7.5 million passengers annually and is equipped with facilities that meet modern international aviation standards. With 12 passenger boarding bridges, an advanced baggage handling system offering real-time tracking, and 47 conventional plus 24 dedicated seaplane check-in counters, the facility reflects both efficiency and innovation. In keeping with the Maldives’ natural beauty and culture, the interior design incorporates patterns and motifs inspired by the nation’s vibrant marine and island heritage.
MACL, in collaboration with international airport consultancy firm Modalis Infrastructure Partners Inc., is managing a phased rollout of the terminal’s services. The consultancy-led transition is structured to ensure safety, compliance, and a smooth operational shift in line with global best practices. For the first two weeks, only Maldivian’s international flights will operate from the new terminal. The second phase will gradually accommodate narrow-body aircraft from nine other designated international carriers, each capable of transporting around 200 passengers.
Full operation of the terminal is scheduled to coincide with the beginning of the Maldives’ peak tourist season, reinforcing the country’s position as a premier travel destination in the Indian Ocean and strengthening its credentials as an emerging regional aviation hub. The expansion is expected to facilitate increased airline partnerships, improve passenger experiences, and boost the national tourism economy, which accounts for over 20 percent of the Maldives’ GDP.
The terminal’s facilities include 41 elevators, 14 escalators, and four travellators, with improved immigration systems featuring e-gates for faster processing. These upgrades are expected to enhance traveler flow and reduce waiting times during peak hours, further aligning with the Maldives’ commitment to providing world-class hospitality and service standards for visitors.
The terminal was officially inaugurated on Saturday evening in a spectacular ceremony attended by more than 6,000 invitees and presided over by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The event featured a curated theatrical performance showcasing Maldivian heritage and cultural pride, followed by a dazzling drone light show that traced the journey of the Maldives’ independence and the evolution of VIA. The night concluded with a synchronized fireworks display across Male’, Hulhumale’, and Hulhule’, celebrating the country’s achievements in aviation and infrastructure.
In an initiative that further integrates cultural and religious values into the travel experience, President Dr Muizzu announced that the call to prayer (Adhan) will echo through the new terminal daily. Beginning with the Asr (mid-afternoon) prayer on Sunday, the initiative aims to create a spiritually welcoming environment for travelers, highlighting the nation’s Islamic identity within its state-of-the-art facilities.
The Maldives Airports Company Limited has expressed confidence that the new terminal will elevate passenger experience, streamline airport operations, and play a vital role in supporting the growing influx of international tourists. As the country continues to diversify its tourism offerings and strengthen connectivity, this major infrastructure upgrade is set to be a cornerstone of national development and international engagement.
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