Velana International Airport’s brand new Terminal 1 has officially begun operations, processing more than 2,400 passengers in its first four days, the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) announced.
The terminal was inaugurated on July 26 during celebrations for the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day and received its first arrival on July 27 a Maldivian Airlines flight from Cochin International Airport, India. Since then, the facility has handled 14 Maldivian Airlines services, accommodating a total of 2,410 passengers. Of these, 1,454 were arrivals and 956 were departures.
According to MACL, the relocation of international airline operations to Terminal 1 will take place in phases under the internationally recognized ORAT (Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer) program. This step-by-step transition, conducted in partnership with global aviation consultancy Modalis, is designed to ensure a safe and seamless move to the new facility.
“Airlines will be shifted one by one in a structured process, with the objective of having all international operations fully active in Terminal 1 before the upcoming peak tourism season,” the company said.
Built to boost the Maldives’ capacity for increasing passenger traffic and elevate the overall travel experience, Terminal 1 represents a major milestone in the nation’s aviation development plans. Its opening aligns with preparations for a significant influx of visitors expected in late 2025, with industry stakeholders anticipating the terminal will play a crucial role in strengthening the Maldives’ reputation as a leading global travel destination.
