Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has held a high-level coordination meeting bringing together all departments and senior management to prepare for the upcoming peak season at Velana International Airport (VIA). The session focused on identifying operational challenges, proposing practical solutions, and enhancing cooperation among departments to ensure smooth and efficient service delivery during the busiest months of the year.
Opening the meeting, MACL’s Chief Commercial Officer Mohamed Mihad underscored the importance of readiness, describing the session as the most important meeting held at MACL. “As a service provider, we must always be ready. This meeting to prepare for the peak season is the most important one held at MACL” said Mihad, emphasizing the company’s duty to maintain excellence in all aspects of airport operations.
Mihad further stated that every department and employee must take responsibility for delivering services that meet or exceed customer expectations. “All departments and employees of the company must work to provide services to MACL’s customers at or above the level they expect” he said. He added that achieving this requires not only the right resources but also a shift in mindset. “For this purpose, all resources of the company, its employees, and their mindset must also change”.
Preparing for the Busiest Travel Period
The cool season, spanning November to January, consistently marks the busiest period for Velana International Airport as visitor arrivals surge with the year-end holidays. During the 2023–2024 peak season, VIA handled 7,558 flights, including both scheduled services and private jet operations catering to luxury travelers.
According to recent statistics, 172,985 tourists visited the Maldives in November 2024, a 5.7% increase compared to the same month in 2023. By December 2024, total arrivals had reached 1.97 million, marking a 9% year-on-year growth. Throughout 2024, the airport recorded 16,830 international flight movements, up 6% from 2023, while 1,398 general aviation movements—including charter and private jets—highlighted a growing segment of elite travel.
Strengthening Teamwork and Service Excellence
During the meeting, department heads discussed measures to enhance passenger flow, baggage handling, ground coordination, and terminal management during the high-traffic period. The focus was on improving interdepartmental assistance to maintain seamless operations and uphold the airport’s service quality.
MACL’s senior management reaffirmed its commitment to proactive leadership and teamwork. The company’s preparedness plan also includes optimizing available infrastructure and streamlining coordination with partner agencies such as immigration, customs, and airlines to accommodate the anticipated surge in arrivals.
With the upcoming 2025–2026 peak season expected to set new records, MACL’s focused preparation reflects its dedication to operational excellence and its vision to position Velana International Airport as a leading aviation hub in the region, delivering a world-class experience to every traveler entering the Maldives.
