Velana International Airport (VIA), the Maldives’ primary gateway for international travel, recorded a 5% rise in flight movements as of the end of October, according to the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA).
Data from MMA revealed that international flight movements grew from 13,018 in 2023 to 13,671 in 2024. The majority of these were scheduled flights, which accounted for 12,565 movements, while charter and private flights contributed 1,106 movements.
The increase in flight activity reflects the Maldives’ growing appeal as a global tourist destination. The Ministry of Tourism has reported that 43 airlines currently operate to the Maldives, including direct connections from eight of the top source markets for Maldivian tourism.
The country is also on track to achieve its annual target of welcoming 2 million tourists by December 25, underscoring the robust recovery and growth of the tourism sector.
This steady increase in flight movements highlights VIA’s crucial role in supporting the Maldives’ tourism-driven economy while enhancing its connectivity to key international markets.