Velana International Airport (VIA) has officially welcomed Sichuan Airlines and US-Bangla Airlines to its state-of-the-art Terminal 1, marking another milestone in the phased operational rollout of the new international passenger facility.
Sichuan Airlines Launches Operations
On November 1, 2025, Sichuan Airlines commenced services from Terminal 1 with a special ceremony attended by senior representatives from the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) and industry partners. The event was graced by Bank of Maldives Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Shareef.
During the ceremony, the airline’s check-in counters were inaugurated, and the first passengers—142 in total—were presented with commemorative gifts. The first flight, 3U3923, departed for Chengdu with 163 passengers on board, signifying the smooth transition of the Chinese carrier to the new terminal.
Sichuan Airlines, known for its extensive route network across Asia, joins a growing list of international airlines now operating from Terminal 1, underscoring the Maldives’ expanding connectivity to the Chinese market.
US-Bangla Airlines Joins Terminal 1
A day later, on November 2, 2025, Bangladesh’s leading private carrier, US-Bangla Airlines, began operations from the same terminal. A formal ceremony was held at the new terminal, officiated by Munaz Ali, Chairman of the Airline Operators Committee of Maldives.
The inaugural flight BS337 departed with 176 passengers, while arriving passengers were warmly received with souvenirs. US-Bangla Airlines, Bangladesh’s largest private airline by fleet size, has been operating flights between Dhaka and Malé since November 19, 2021. Its move to Terminal 1 enhances passenger experience with modern facilities and streamlined services.
Expanding Connectivity through Modern Infrastructure
According to MACL, the transition of both airlines to Terminal 1 is part of a broader plan to relocate all international carriers to the new terminal by early 2026. The facility will ultimately handle up to 20 airlines, providing advanced check-in, baggage, and boarding systems designed to meet the growing demands of Maldives’ booming tourism and air travel sector.
The new Terminal 1 reflects the government’s continued investment in aviation infrastructure to support economic diversification and international tourism growth, ensuring Velana International Airport remains a key aviation hub in the Indian Ocean.
