Velana International Airport’s state of the art Terminal 1 has surpassed a major operational milestone, successfully serving more than half a million passengers since opening, reinforcing the Maldives’ growing stature as a premier global travel hub.
Official figures show that by December 15, Terminal 1 had handled 508,008 passengers, with 252,340 departures and 255,668 arrivals, reflecting balanced traffic flow and strong international demand for Maldivian connectivity.
The terminal’s peak performance was recorded on December 21, when it processed 19,551 passengers in a single day, including 8,681 outbound and 10,870 inbound travelers, the highest daily volume since operations began. Aviation officials say the record underscores the terminal’s operational resilience during the peak travel season.
Terminal 1 was officially inaugurated on July 26, 2025, in a landmark ceremony held alongside celebrations marking 60 years of Maldivian independence, and opened by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The opening symbolized a strategic leap in the government’s long term vision to modernize national infrastructure and elevate passenger experience standards.
At present, 37 international airlines operate through Terminal 1, positioning the facility as the primary gateway for premium and long haul traffic into the Maldives. The terminal is designed to ease congestion, improve turnaround efficiency, and support the country’s expanding tourism and business travel sectors.
Aviation authorities note that the rapid passenger growth validates sustained investment in airport infrastructure, with Terminal 1 already emerging as a cornerstone asset in supporting economic diversification, tourism resilience, and global connectivity.
As passenger volumes continue to rise, Terminal 1 is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the Maldives’ aviation future and strengthening its competitiveness among leading Indian Ocean hubs.
