Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has advised travellers to prepare for increased congestion at Velana International Airport (VIA) over the coming days as hundreds of Maldivian pilgrims return home after completing the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
In a travel advisory issued on Tuesday, the airport operator said passenger traffic and visitor numbers are expected to rise significantly on June 5, 7, 8 and 9, coinciding with the scheduled arrival of Hajj flights carrying pilgrims back to the Maldives.
According to MACL, the influx of arriving passengers, family members gathering to welcome pilgrims, and regular airport users is likely to place additional pressure on airport facilities, access roads and parking areas.
The company cautioned that travellers may experience heavier-than-usual traffic around the airport and difficulty finding parking during the peak arrival periods.
To help ease congestion and reduce travel delays, MACL encouraged members of the public to make use of public transportation services, including ferry and bus connections operating between the airport and the Greater Malé area.
The advisory comes as Maldivian pilgrims begin returning from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the completion of Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam and one of the largest annual religious gatherings in the world.
Each year, the arrival of Hajj pilgrims draws large crowds of relatives and well-wishers to Velana International Airport, creating a festive atmosphere as families gather to welcome loved ones home after the spiritual journey.
Earlier this year, MACL, in collaboration with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Maldives Hajj Corporation, airlines and other stakeholders, implemented special arrangements to facilitate the departure of pilgrims travelling for Hajj 1447 AH. Dedicated waiting areas, passenger assistance services and enhanced terminal coordination were introduced to ensure a smooth travel experience.
As the return phase begins, airport authorities are once again preparing for increased passenger movement while working to maintain efficient operations across the airport.
Velana International Airport remains the country’s busiest transport hub, handling the vast majority of international passenger traffic to and from the Maldives. During major religious holidays and peak travel seasons, passenger volumes often rise significantly, requiring additional operational measures to manage the increased demand.
MACL thanked passengers and members of the public for their cooperation and understanding during the busy period and urged travellers to allow extra time when planning journeys to and from the airport.
