Air India Commences Operations from VIA’s New Terminal 1

Air India, the national carrier of India, has officially begun operations from the new state-of-the-art Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport (VIA), marking another milestone in strengthening air connectivity between the Maldives and India.

A special ceremony was held today at Terminal 1 to commemorate the occasion. The event was graced by the Indian Ambassador to the Maldives, G. Balasubramanian, and attended by Air India’s Airport Manager, Jainder Singh Rana, along with senior executives and officials from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).

As part of the ceremony, Air India’s check-in counters at the new terminal were officially inaugurated. Passengers of the airline’s first departing flight from Terminal 1 were presented with gifts, as a token of appreciation and celebration. A total of 118 passengers boarded the departing flight, while the arriving flight, AI2239, brought 132 passengers to the Maldives. The arriving aircraft was warmly welcomed with traditional cultural performances and a special reception, adding a festive touch to the launch event.

Air India first began its flights to the Maldives on February 21, 1976, establishing one of the longest-standing aviation connections between the two countries. Over the decades, the airline has played a vital role in facilitating tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between India and the Maldives.

With Air India’s inclusion, the number of airlines now operating from VIA’s new Terminal 1 has reached 18. The expansion reflects MACL’s ongoing efforts to deliver world-class facilities and high-quality services to international carriers and passengers alike.

MACL stated that the addition of Air India to Terminal 1 reinforces the company’s goal of providing the most comprehensive and seamless travel experience for all airlines and travelers arriving in or departing from the Maldives.