Velana International Airport (MLE) has recorded a 6 percent increase in sea-to-air transshipment cargo during the first seven months of 2026, reflecting growing demand for the Maldives as an emerging logistics hub connecting Asia with Europe and the Americas.
Figures released by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) show that 1,478 tonnes of sea-to-air transshipment cargo had been uplifted through MLE by the end of July 2026. The volume represents a six percent increase compared with the same period in 2025, despite operational challenges experienced earlier this year.
The growth comes just over two years after MLE launched its sea-to-air transshipment service in May 2024, with the first shipment handled in collaboration with Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) and Turkish Airlines. Since then, the service has steadily expanded, with 17 international carriers now transporting sea-to-air cargo through the airport.
Sea-to-air transshipment combines the lower cost of ocean freight with the speed of air transport, allowing cargo to arrive by sea before being transferred onto aircraft for onward delivery. Traditionally, much of this traffic has been routed through major regional hubs such as Dubai and Singapore.
MACL says the Maldives is increasingly positioning itself as an alternative gateway by leveraging the country’s strategic location and strong international air connectivity.
As one of the world’s leading tourism destinations, Velana International Airport receives numerous wide-body passenger aircraft each day, providing substantial belly cargo capacity. With the Maldives generating relatively low export cargo volumes, much of that outbound capacity remains available for transshipment cargo, offering greater flexibility for freight operators.
According to MACL, another competitive advantage is the speed of cargo movement through the Maldives. Shipments arriving from regional ports such as Tuticorin in India typically reach Malé in around three days, while cargo from Colombo generally arrives within two days. Once cargo reaches Velana International Airport, it is usually loaded onto outbound flights within 24 to 48 hours, helping shorten overall transit times to international destinations.
The airport currently receives sea-to-air cargo from major regional trade lanes including Dhaka, Tuticorin, Colombo and Mumbai. In another milestone for the service, MLE recently handled its first sea-to-air transshipment shipment originating from Cambodia, expanding the airport’s growing network of cargo origins.
The majority of cargo passing through the facility consists of general freight, particularly garments produced in South Asia’s manufacturing centres, with shipments destined primarily for Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and other European markets. Cargo is also routed onward to destinations in the Americas.
MACL said close coordination with Maldives Ports Limited, Maldives Customs Service and partner airlines has been central to the success of the operation. Cargo is treated as a high operational priority to minimise delays and maintain efficient connections between port and airport.
Looking ahead, the company expects further growth as airlines expand winter schedules and more international carriers operate through Malé, increasing the number of destinations accessible via the airport.
MACL is also investing in infrastructure and operational improvements to support the sector’s long-term growth. Planned enhancements include the installation of an Explosive Detection System (EDS), internationally recognised CEIV Pharma and CEIV Fresh certifications, and additional upgrades to cargo terminal facilities aimed at improving efficiency and handling capabilities.
The company believes these investments, combined with the Maldives’ geographic location and expanding airline network, will further strengthen Velana International Airport’s role as a regional sea-to-air transshipment hub.
