Velana International Airport (VIA) marked another milestone in its expansion yesterday as British Airways officially commenced operations from the airport’s newly built Terminal 1. The event signifies the addition of one of the world’s most renowned carriers to the list of airlines now operating from the state-of-the-art facility.
A special ceremony was held at the terminal to commemorate the occasion, graced by the Acting High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to the Maldives, Mohamed Thaufeeq Wahab. The event was attended by British Airways’ Airport Manager Mohamed Nihaan, along with senior officials from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).
During the ceremony, British Airways’ check-in counters were formally inaugurated, and the airline’s first departing passengers were treated to a warm welcome. Gifts were presented to the 126 passengers on the inaugural outbound flight, while 122 travelers arriving on flight BA061 were greeted with traditional Maldivian cultural performances.
British Airways, the flag carrier of the United Kingdom, began its Maldives operations on October 26, 2009, connecting London with Malé during the high tourism season. With today’s transition, the airline becomes the first European carrier to operate from VIA’s Terminal 1, joining 12 other international airlines currently using the new facility.
MACL stated that the expansion of operations at Terminal 1 aligns with its goal of delivering the highest standard of passenger experience and operational efficiency. The new terminal, which features modern infrastructure and increased capacity, is a central part of VIA’s long-term development plan to strengthen the Maldives’ position as a key aviation hub in the Indian Ocean.
The inclusion of British Airways further enhances connectivity between the Maldives and Europe, supporting both tourism growth and the country’s broader economic objectives.
