Velana International Airport experienced its second busiest day of 2025 yesterday, serving over 27,000 passengers as peak holiday travel reached its height.
Data released by Maldives Airports Company Limited showed that the International Terminal handled 22,142 passengers, including 11,035 departures and 11,107 arrivals, reflecting strong inbound tourism and outbound holiday travel.
The Domestic Terminal also operated at high capacity, facilitating 4,843 passengers, with 2,652 travellers departing from Malé and 2,191 arriving, highlighting sustained inter-atoll connectivity during the festive period.
Operational statistics further revealed that 239 air traffic movements were recorded over the course of the day, placing heavy demands on airport operations across both airside and terminal services.
Despite the exceptional volume, MACL said pre-planned operational measures ensured smooth passenger flow, reduced queue times, and uninterrupted services throughout the day.
“Yesterday was one of the busiest days in the history of the airport. We implemented measures to minimize waiting times and accelerate services. Even with the high traffic, it was encouraging to see passengers having a positive experience at the new terminal,” said Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of MACL.
The successful handling of one of the heaviest travel days of the year underscores the readiness of Velana International Airport’s new terminal and reinforces its central role in supporting the Maldives’ tourism-driven economy during peak global travel seasons.
