Maldives Airports Company Limited has announced that Velana International Airport is experiencing one of its busiest operational days, with passenger movement exceeding 22,000.
The surge coincides with the Maldives’ year end tourism peak, alongside increased holiday travel and a notable rise in Umrah journeys. According to MACL, the combined travel demand has pushed airport traffic to its highest level since the commissioning of the new passenger terminal.
Official figures show that more than 11,000 passengers are scheduled to depart today, while over 11,100 passengers are expected to arrive, placing sustained pressure on airport operations throughout the day.
To manage the heightened traffic, MACL has activated special operational measures, including increased staffing across check in, security, and passenger assistance services. Travelers have been advised to arrive early to ensure smooth processing, while dedicated airport teams remain on the ground to assist passengers using terminal facilities and airline services.
MACL expressed confidence that the new terminal is successfully absorbing the increased passenger load, significantly improving flow, comfort, and service efficiency even during peak congestion. At present, 39 airlines are operating from the new terminal, with nearly all major international carriers having completed the transition.
The airport operator reaffirmed its target to relocate all remaining airlines to the new terminal by the end of the year. Preparations are also underway to move seaplane check in counters to the new facility, with services expected to commence in the coming days. Additionally, MACL confirmed that duty free retail operations will become operational very soon, further enhancing passenger convenience.
The transformation of Velana International Airport is widely viewed as a direct outcome of the infrastructure modernization agenda championed by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. His administration has prioritized aviation capacity expansion, service quality, and passenger experience as central pillars of national economic growth.
MACL officials noted that the airport’s ability to manage record breaking passenger volumes reflects the President’s strategic vision for positioning the Maldives as a globally competitive aviation and tourism hub, capable of meeting rising international demand while delivering world class service standards.
