United Arab Emirates-based budget airline Air Arabia has made history by becoming the first international carrier to operate from the newly built Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport (VIA) in the Maldives. The inaugural flight, welcomed on Tuesday with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, marked the official start of international operations at the state-of-the-art terminal.
Passengers on Air Arabia’s first departure from Terminal 1 experienced a seamless check-in process, according to the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL). The milestone also reflects a major step in expanding the Maldives’ aviation capacity, which plays a crucial role in supporting the country’s tourism industry, one of its primary economic drivers.
The new international passenger terminal, which officially opened on 26 July 2025, Maldives’ Independence Day, was initially designated for the national airline, Maldivian, to serve its international passengers. Over the coming three months, the facility will gradually transition to full operation following a schedule set by airport development consultants Modalis Infrastructure Partners Inc. MACL has confirmed that the staged approach is aligned with international best practices to ensure safety, efficiency, and a smooth passenger experience.
In the phased rollout, Maldivian will continue exclusive use of the terminal for two weeks before other carriers operating narrow-body aircraft are introduced. Seven airlines, each with a capacity of around 200 passengers, have already been approved to join the second phase of operations. MACL anticipates the entire terminal will be fully operational in time for the upcoming tourist season, providing much-needed capacity to handle peak arrivals.
Spanning 72,000 square meters, the terminal is designed to accommodate up to seven million passengers annually and features modern amenities that rival leading international airports. Highlights include 12 passenger boarding bridges, 47 standard and 24 seaplane check-in counters, an advanced baggage handling system with real-time tracking, and enhanced immigration facilities with e-gates. Passenger flow is further supported by 41 elevators, 14 escalators, and 4 travellators. In addition, the terminal’s interior design incorporates patterns and motifs inspired by the Maldives’ natural beauty, offering visitors a unique sense of place from the moment they arrive.
Government and tourism officials have underscored that this expansion will strengthen the Maldives’ position as a premier global travel destination and enhance its role as a regional hub for air travel. With more space, improved connectivity, and advanced infrastructure, the terminal is expected to attract additional airline partnerships and increase flight frequencies, thereby boosting visitor arrivals.
For Air Arabia, this development provides a significant opportunity to expand its Maldives services, offering budget-friendly, direct connections between the UAE and one of the world’s most sought-after island destinations. The launch from Terminal 1 is set to enhance travel convenience for passengers while supporting the Maldives’ long-term vision of sustainable tourism growth.
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