Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has showcased the expanding cargo capabilities of Velana International Airport (VIA) at Air Cargo China 2026 in Shanghai, highlighting the airport’s growing role as a regional transshipment hub in the Indian Ocean.
The event brought together airlines, freight forwarders, logistics companies and other global air cargo stakeholders, providing MACL with an opportunity to strengthen partnerships across Asia. Discussions focused on attracting more freighter services and expanding cargo connectivity between Velana International Airport (MLE) and key markets in Europe, North America and the Commonwealth of Independent States.
MACL said MLE’s strategic location, expanding airline network and multimodal cargo services continue to strengthen its position as a dependable gateway linking regional and international cargo markets.
Cargo performance during the first half of 2026 reflected that growth. Total cargo throughput rose 5 percent year-on-year to 36,367 tonnes, while outbound transshipment cargo increased 15 percent. Overall transshipment volume reached 7,982 tonnes during the period.
Freighter operations recorded even stronger growth, with 2,925 tonnes of cargo handled across 358 aircraft movements. This represented a 174 percent increase compared with the same period in 2025.
The airport also achieved a new operational milestone on 12 July, handling 140 tonnes of outbound transshipment cargo in a single day, the highest daily volume ever recorded at MLE.
China ranked as the second-largest inbound transshipment market during the first half of the year, behind Sri Lanka. The United States remained the largest outbound transshipment destination, accounting for 1,618 tonnes of cargo.
MACL also highlighted the success of MLE’s Sea-to-Air transshipment service, launched in 2024. The service has now handled more than 5,000 tonnes of cargo through partnerships with 17 airlines. Shipments originating from regional markets including Colombo, Mumbai, Dhaka and Tuticorin are routed through MLE before being transported onward to destinations across Europe and North America.
Looking ahead to the Winter 2026/27 season, MACL expects additional airline capacity and the return of more European services, developments that are expected to further strengthen Velana International Airport’s cargo network and reinforce its position as a leading regional transshipment gateway.
