Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates and the country’s second-largest airline, has officially begun operating from Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport. The first flight handled at the new terminal was marked yesterday with an inauguration ceremony led by Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu, attended by senior executives from Etihad Airways along with representatives from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).
With the move, Etihad becomes the 29th airline to be served at the upgraded terminal, strengthening connectivity through the newly expanded airport infrastructure. Etihad has been flying to the Maldives for more than 14 years, first launching scheduled passenger services in November 2011. The airline currently connects the Maldives to destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and beyond via Abu Dhabi, which remains one of the leading aviation hubs in the region.
To celebrate the shift to the new terminal, Etihad opened its check-in counters with a ceremonial welcome and presented gifts to 305 departing passengers. The airline also arranged a cultural performance to greet 180 passengers arriving on the inaugural flight processed through Terminal 1.
MACL noted that Etihad is now the third airline from the United Arab Emirates to operate from the new terminal, reflecting growing demand and stronger aviation links between the Maldives and the Gulf region. Airport officials said the relocation is part of an ongoing phased transition designed to enhance capacity, improve passenger services and support increasing tourism traffic to the country.
Etihad’s move is expected to enhance travel convenience for passengers and contribute to the broader national strategy of positioning the Maldives as a globally connected aviation hub.
