All Airlines Complete Move to VIA’s New Terminal 1: MACL

Velana International Airport (VIA) has reached a major operational milestone with the successful transition of all airline services to its newly developed Terminal 1, marking a significant step forward in the Maldives’ aviation infrastructure as the year ends.

The full migration of airline operations was commemorated at a special ceremony held on December 31, attended by the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed. A commemorative cake-cutting marked the occasion, symbolizing the completion of one of the country’s most significant airport transformation phases.

Terminal 1, officially inaugurated on July 26, 2025, during the Maldives’ Independence Day celebrations by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, has since become the primary gateway for international air travel to the country. Since its opening, the state-of-the-art terminal has served 41 airlines and facilitated travel for more than 600,000 passengers, reflecting its rapid operational scale-up and growing role in supporting the nation’s tourism and connectivity.

Speaking at the ceremony, MACL CEO Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed praised the dedication and perseverance of MACL staff, crediting their tireless efforts for the successful launch and full operationalization of the terminal. He noted that many employees worked long hours and made personal sacrifices, often spending extended periods away from their families, to ensure the smooth transition of airline operations.

He described the achievement as a source of pride not only for MACL but for the country as a whole, emphasizing that the collective commitment of the workforce made it possible to meet ambitious timelines and operational goals. The CEO also encouraged staff to continue working together with the same spirit of unity and professionalism to take the company to even greater heights in the coming year.

The completion of the transition positions Terminal 1 as the central hub for international passenger operations at VIA, reinforcing the airport’s capacity to handle growing traffic and enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers arriving in and departing from the Maldives.