Condor Begins Operations at VIA Terminal 1

Velana International Airport’s new passenger terminal, Terminal 1, has officially commenced services for German airline Condor, marking another milestone in the Maldives’ efforts to strengthen its position as a leading global travel destination.

A special ceremony was held at Terminal 1 on Tuesday to commemorate the start of Condor’s operations from the facility, signalling the airline’s integration into the airport’s growing network. The event was graced by the Managing Director of Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO), Mujuthaba Jaleel, and attended by Condor’s Area Manager for Intercontinental Stations, Stefan McKenna, along with Regional Manager for Ground Operations in Asia and the Indian Ocean, Ron Püllen. Senior management and officials from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) were also present.

During the ceremony, Condor’s check-in counters at Terminal 1 were officially opened, symbolising the airline’s operational move to the new terminal. To mark the occasion, gifts were presented to the 302 passengers departing on the airline’s flight, while the 277 passengers who arrived on Condor’s first Terminal 1 flight, DE2320, were welcomed with traditional Maldivian cultural performances, highlighting the nation’s renowned hospitality.

Condor, which began flying to the Maldives on October 31, 1981, holds the distinction of being the first German airline to be served from Terminal 1, underscoring the historical significance of its presence in the Maldivian aviation landscape. Its shift to the new terminal reflects both the airline’s long-standing relationship with the destination and the enhanced capacity and modern facilities now available at Velana International Airport.

With the inclusion of Condor, the number of airlines operating from Terminal 1 has risen to 26, reinforcing the terminal’s role as a central hub for international carriers. MACL has reiterated its commitment to delivering the highest class of service and a seamless travel experience to all airlines and passengers using the facility, as the Maldives continues to expand its aviation infrastructure in line with growing global demand.