British Airways has officially begun operating from Velana International Airport (VIA)’s new Terminal, marking a key milestone in expanding European airline services in the Maldives.
British Airways launched services from Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport on October 24, 2025. MACL held a special ceremony to mark the occasion.
Acting UK High Commissioner Mohamed Taufeeq Wahab attended the event as chief guest. British Airways Airport Manager Mohamed Nihaan and senior MACL officials also took part.
MACL opened dedicated check-in counters for the airline. Staff presented gifts to 126 departing passengers. The first flight, BA061, arrived with 122 passengers and received a cultural welcome.
British Airways, the United Kingdom’s national carrier, first began flights to the Maldives on October 26, 2009.
With this addition, Terminal 1 now serves 13 airlines. British Airways is the first European airline to operate from the new terminal. MACL aims to deliver high-quality service and expand global connectivity through Terminal 1.
