Fits Air Becomes First Sri Lankan Carrier to Begin Operations at VIA Terminal 1

Fits Air successfully completed its transition to Velana International Airport's Terminal 1 on Saturday, becoming the first Sri Lankan airline to relocate operations from the existing terminal to the New Passenger Terminal facility. The move represents another significant expansion milestone for the state-of-the-art aviation infrastructure.

The operational transition was marked with an official ceremony at Terminal 1, attended by Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Visit Maldives Corporation. The event highlighted the growing international recognition of Terminal 1's capabilities among regional carriers.

Senior aviation officials present at the ceremony included Ibrahim Shareef Mohammed, CEO and Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), alongside Deputy Managing Directors Mujtaba Lateef and Mohammed Lam'aan. Fits Air was represented by Director Anah Kassim of Fits Holidays and Operations Executive Ibrahim Ameen Hassan Manik.

Inaugural Operations Launch

The ceremony featured the official opening of Fits Air's dedicated check-in counters at Terminal 1. All 71 departing passengers received special welcome gifts as part of the inaugural service launch. The airline's first flight operating from Terminal 1 received traditional aviation honors with a ceremonial water salute.

Fits Air's arrival operations also commenced with full ceremonial treatment, as 154 passengers on the inaugural inbound flight were welcomed with cultural performances showcasing traditional Maldivian hospitality.

Sri Lankan Aviation Market Leader

Fits Air holds the distinction of being Sri Lanka's largest private airline. The carrier established its Maldives route on October 10, 2022, launching scheduled passenger services between Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo and Velana International Airport in Male.

The airline currently operates three weekly flights on this route, providing crucial connectivity between the two South Asian nations. The service has become an important link for travelers moving between Sri Lanka and the Maldives for both business and leisure purposes.

Terminal 1 Expansion Continues

With Fits Air's integration, Terminal 1 now serves four distinct airlines representing different market segments and geographical regions. The facility currently accommodates Maldivian (national carrier), Air Arabia (UAE low-cost carrier), Beond (luxury airline), and now Fits Air (Sri Lankan private carrier).

This diverse airline portfolio demonstrates Terminal 1's operational flexibility and its ability to serve various carrier business models simultaneously. The terminal's design and infrastructure can accommodate different service levels, from budget operations to premium airline services.

Regional Connectivity Enhancement

Fits Air's transition to Terminal 1 strengthens the facility's role as a regional aviation hub. The airline's presence enhances connectivity options for travelers between Sri Lanka and the Maldives, supporting both countries' tourism and business travel markets.

The Sri Lankan carrier's operations complement existing services by providing additional capacity and scheduling options for the Colombo-Male route, one of the key regional aviation corridors in South Asia.

Operational Infrastructure Development

Terminal 1's successful accommodation of four different airline types validates the facility's comprehensive design and operational capabilities. The terminal's infrastructure supports various airline operational requirements while maintaining consistent service quality standards.

The facility's ability to handle different carrier types simultaneously demonstrates the effectiveness of its planning and construction phases. Airlines can operate efficiently regardless of their business model or service category.

Tourism Market Impact

The addition of Fits Air to Terminal 1 operations is expected to support tourism flow between Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The carrier's presence provides Sri Lankan travelers with enhanced access to Maldivian tourism destinations while offering Maldivian passengers convenient connections to Sri Lanka.

The airline's three-weekly service frequency offers regular connectivity options for both leisure and business travelers, supporting economic ties between the neighboring nations.

Future Terminal Development

Terminal 1's continued expansion with diverse international carriers positions the facility as a key regional aviation hub. The terminal's operational model accommodates various airline types while maintaining high service standards across all operations.

MACL's strategy of integrating different carrier segments demonstrates the airport operator's commitment to comprehensive service provision. The approach ensures Terminal 1 can serve the full spectrum of aviation market demands.

Strategic Aviation Growth

The successful transition of four airlines to Terminal 1 within a relatively short timeframe indicates strong confidence in the facility's capabilities among international carriers. This operational expansion supports the Maldives' broader aviation sector development objectives.

Terminal 1's growing airline roster enhances the facility's position as a competitive regional airport capable of serving diverse market segments while maintaining operational efficiency and service quality standards.