Emirates has officially commenced passenger operations from Terminal 1 of Velana International Airport, marking another major milestone in the rollout of the Maldives’ new flagship terminal.
The launch was commemorated on 21 December 2025 with a ceremony held at Terminal 1, attended by the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thariq Ibrahim. Senior representatives from Emirates and Maldives Airports Company Limited were also present, highlighting the strategic importance of the airline’s move to the new facility.
Emirates’ Country Manager for the Maldives and Sri Lanka, Jabir Mohamed, joined airline officials and MACL management at the event, which formally opened Emirates’ dedicated check-in counters at Terminal 1. To mark the occasion, gifts were presented to 310 departing passengers, while 298 arriving passengers on flight EK660 received a traditional Maldivian cultural welcome upon arrival.
Recognised as the largest airline in the Middle East by international traffic and fleet size, Emirates becomes the fourth airline from the United Arab Emirates to operate from Terminal 1. The carrier first launched services to the Maldives on 27 May 1987 and has since remained one of the country’s most significant long-haul aviation partners, supporting both tourism growth and global connectivity.
With the addition of Emirates, Terminal 1 now serves a total of 36 international airlines. MACL has reiterated that the expansion aligns with its broader objective of delivering a high-capacity, service-driven airport experience that meets the operational needs of global carriers while enhancing passenger comfort and efficiency.
The continued onboarding of major international airlines at Terminal 1 underscores the Maldives’ ambitions to position Velana International Airport as a leading aviation hub in the Indian Ocean region.
