IndiGo Becomes First Indian Airline to Operate from VIA’s New Terminal 1

IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has officially commenced operations from Velana International Airport’s (VIA) new passenger terminal, Terminal 1, marking a significant milestone in enhancing Maldives’ aviation connectivity.

A special ceremony was held today to celebrate the occasion, attended by senior officials from Maldives Immigration, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), and IndiGo. The event was graced by Controller General of Immigration and former Commissioner of Police (Retired) Ahmed Faseeh, along with Deputy Controller General of Immigration Ahmed Ashfaan, MACL’s Deputy Managing Director Mujtaba Latheef, and India Maldives’ Chief Security Officer and Airport Manager Nikhil Verma.

The highlight of the ceremony included the official opening of IndiGo’s check-in counters, where gifts were presented to 218 outbound passengers. To mark the first arrival at Terminal 1, IndiGo flight 6E1127 received a traditional water salute, and the 229 passengers arriving were welcomed with Maldivian cultural performances.

IndiGo, which first launched its services to the Maldives in November 2018, becomes the eighth airline to begin operations at Terminal 1 and the first Indian carrier to do so. Other airlines currently operating from the terminal include Maldivian, Air Arabia, Beyond, Fits Air, Beijing Capital Airlines, Batik Air, and Bangkok Airways.

With this addition, MACL reaffirmed its commitment to providing high-quality services and strengthening Maldives’ position as a premier aviation hub in the region. IndiGo, Asia’s second-largest airline, brings in one of the highest passenger volumes from India, a key tourism market for the Maldives.