Qatar Airways has officially commenced passenger services from Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport, marking another milestone in the Maldives’ aviation expansion.
The launch took place on December 23, 2025, with an inauguration ceremony held at the new terminal. The event was attended by senior government and aviation leaders, underscoring the strategic importance of Qatar Airways’ move to Terminal 1.
The ceremony was graced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, alongside Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited, and Paul Lucean, Vice President of Network Stations at Qatar Airways. Senior executives and officials from both Qatar Airways and MACL were also present.
As part of the commencement, Qatar Airways’ check-in counters at Terminal 1 were formally opened. A total of 162 departing passengers received commemorative gifts, while 222 passengers arriving on the airline’s inaugural Terminal 1 flight, QR674, were welcomed with traditional Maldivian cultural performances.
Qatar Airways becomes the first Qatari carrier to operate from Terminal 1, reinforcing the terminal’s growing role as Velana International Airport’s primary hub for full-service international airlines. The airline first launched flights to the Maldives in December 2001 and has since remained a key contributor to the country’s tourism connectivity, linking Malé with Doha and onward destinations across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East.
With Qatar Airways now operating from the facility, Terminal 1 serves a total of 37 airlines. MACL has stated that the terminal is designed to deliver higher operational efficiency, enhanced passenger comfort, and world-class service standards, supporting the Maldives’ long-term goal of strengthening its position as a premium global travel destination.
