Discover Airlines, a German leisure carrier under the Lufthansa Group, has officially started operating from Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport, marking another milestone in the rollout of the Maldives’ new passenger terminal.
The commencement was marked by a ceremonial event held at Terminal 1 today, attended by Ibrahim Nazim, Managing Director of Road Development Corporation, alongside senior officials from Maldives Airports Company Limited and representatives of Discover Airlines. Robert Harvey, Station Manager for Discover Airlines, was present with members of the airline’s local team.
As part of the inaugural operations, Discover Airlines’ check in counters at Terminal 1 were formally opened. Gifts were distributed to 114 departing passengers, while 301 passengers arriving on the airline’s first Terminal 1 flight, 4Y154, were welcomed with traditional Maldivian cultural performances, underscoring the airport’s focus on passenger experience and hospitality.
Discover Airlines, which first launched flights to the Maldives on April 24, 2022, is now the second German airline to operate from Terminal 1. The airline is part of the Lufthansa Group, Germany’s largest airline group and one of Europe’s leading aviation players, adding further weight to the terminal’s growing international profile.
With the inclusion of Discover Airlines, Terminal 1 is now serving 31 airlines. Maldives Airports Company Limited has reiterated that the expansion aligns with its broader strategy to deliver comprehensive, high quality services to airlines and passengers, while positioning Velana International Airport as a competitive regional hub capable of supporting rising traffic and premium travel standards.
