Maldives Airports Company Limited has officially launched the Velana Awards, the country’s first dedicated platform to honour excellence across the aviation industry, reinforcing the Maldives’ ambition to strengthen global air connectivity and service standards.
The inaugural ceremony, staged at CROSSROADS Maldives, brought together senior airline executives, aviation partners, tourism stakeholders, and industry leaders in a high-profile gathering that underscored the strategic role of aviation in sustaining the nation’s tourism-driven economy.
Etihad Airways Crowned Airline of the Year
The evening’s highest honour, Airline of the Year, was awarded to Etihad Airways in recognition of its outstanding overall contribution to the Maldivian aviation landscape. The accolade reflects the airline’s operational performance, passenger growth, and strategic connectivity to key source markets.
A total of 22 awards were distributed across Passenger, Cargo, and Lounge categories, spotlighting carriers and partners that have driven measurable improvements in throughput, growth, and service delivery.
Passenger Excellence Across Global Markets
In the international passenger segment, regional leaders emerged across major source markets:
Top Airline by Passenger Growth
- East and Southeast Asia: AirAsia
- Middle East: Etihad Airways
- CIS: Aeroflot
- Europe: Virgin Atlantic
- Indian Subcontinent: FitsAir
Top Airline by Passenger Throughput
- East and Southeast Asia: Singapore Airlines
- Middle East: Emirates
- CIS: Aeroflot
- Europe: Turkish Airlines
- Indian Subcontinent: IndiGo
Domestically, Manta Air secured the award for Top Domestic Airline by Passenger Growth, while Trans Maldivian Airways led in Passenger Throughput, reflecting robust inter-island connectivity that supports resort transfers and local travel.
Cargo Performance and Freighter Recognition
With air cargo playing an increasingly strategic role in supporting tourism supply chains and exports, MACL recognised standout performers in logistics.
Afcom Holdings Ltd won both Top Airline by Air-to-Air Import and the Freighter of the Year award, highlighting its operational strength in handling inbound freight.
Qatar Airways dominated export categories, claiming Top Airline by Air-to-Air Export and Sea-to-Air Export. Emirates received the award for Top Airline by Cargo Throughput.
Recognising Lounge and Tourism Partnerships
The Lounge Category acknowledged hospitality and travel partners that enhance passenger experience beyond the runway.
- Vilu Partner Award: Jawakara Island Maldives
- Travel Agent and Tour Operator: Avia Maldives
- Resort Category: Soneva Resorts, Maldives
- Koveli Partner Award: Emirates
A Strategic Move for Aviation Growth
Addressing the gathering, MACL Managing Director and CEO Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed described the Velana Awards as more than a ceremonial recognition.
He stated that the initiative reflects the depth of partnerships that underpin the success of Velana International Airport and the wider Maldivian aviation ecosystem. According to him, growth is not measured purely in numbers but in collaboration, service quality, and long-term value creation.
The launch of the Velana Awards comes at a time when the Maldives continues to record strong tourism momentum and expanding airline connectivity. With infrastructure upgrades underway at Velana International Airport and increasing competition among global carriers, MACL’s move signals a structured approach to incentivising performance, strengthening alliances, and positioning the Maldives as a premium global travel hub.
By institutionalising industry recognition through an annual platform, MACL has set a new benchmark for aviation excellence in the Indian Ocean region, aligning airport performance with national economic ambitions.
