Velana International Airport’s (VIA) newly inaugurated Terminal 1 reached a significant milestone today as it welcomed Beyond, the first luxury airline to operate from the facility. This launch also marks Beyond as the third airline overall to commence operations at the state-of-the-art terminal.
A formal inauguration ceremony took place at Terminal 1, attended by senior government and aviation officials. Minister at the President’s Office for Presidential Affairs, Ali Arif, joined Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) board members, CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, and Deputy Managing Director Mohamed Lamaan at the event. Representing Beyond were General Manager Ibrahim Akhtar and Station Manager Hussain Fayaz.
The ceremony included the official opening of Beyond’s check in counters and a gift presentation for 43 departing passengers. Beyond’s inaugural flight from Terminal 1, flight B4091, received a traditional water salute, while the 35 arriving passengers were welcomed with cultural performances showcasing Maldivian heritage.
A New Chapter for Maldivian Aviation
Beyond, a premium airline established through a joint venture between Maldivian conglomerate SIMDI Group and aviation investment company Arabex, is aimed at serving the luxury tourism market. Given the Maldives’ status as a top global luxury destination, Beyond is expected to enhance connectivity for high-end travelers.
Terminal 1 already accommodates the national carrier Maldivian and UAE based low cost airline Air Arabia. MACL announced that four additional international carriers are scheduled to begin operations at the terminal later this month, further increasing VIA’s operational capacity.
World-Class Passenger Experience
Designed to handle up to 7 million passengers annually, Terminal 1 introduces several firsts for Maldivian aviation, including:
- Expanded Immigration Capacity: 20+ counters and six e-gates for departures, and 28 counters with seven e gates for arrivals.
- Modern Boarding Facilities: Twelve fully air conditioned aero bridges, the first of their kind in the country.
- Advanced Baggage Systems: High speed baggage belts and next-generation scanning systems to enhance security and passenger convenience.
According to MACL, the terminal expansion reflects the airport’s commitment to providing world class services to both airlines and travelers, positioning VIA as a premier gateway for the Maldives’ growing aviation and tourism sector.
