Velana Airport’s New Terminal Welcomes Beijing Capital Airlines

Velana International Airport’s (VIA) new passenger terminal, Terminal 1, officially opened to Beijing Capital Airlines today, making it the first Chinese carrier to operate from the state-of-the-art facility. The milestone marks the airline as the fifth carrier to begin operations from the new terminal.

A special ceremony was held to commemorate the occasion, attended by key industry figures including Tree Top Hospital CEO Adhil Moosa, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) Deputy Managing Director Mujtaba Lateef, and Voyages Maldives Deputy General Manager Ignaz Mansoor, along with senior management and MACL officials.

Beijing Capital Airlines marked its debut at Terminal 1 by opening its check-in counters and presenting gifts to 248 departing passengers. The first flight, JD455-6, carrying 276 passengers, was greeted with a ceremonial water salute on arrival and a warm cultural welcome.

Based at Beijing Daxing International Airport, Beijing Capital Airlines operates as a low-cost carrier. Its addition strengthens the growing portfolio of airlines utilizing the new terminal.

Currently, Terminal 1 serves Maldives’ flag carrier Maldivian, UAE-based low-cost airline Air Arabia, premium airline Beyond, and Sri Lankan budget airline Fitz Air. According to MACL, two more airlines are expected to transition to Terminal 1 within the week. The company stated it remains committed to offering the most complete and highest-quality service to all airlines flying to the Maldives.