Velana International Airport (VIA), the main international gateway to the Maldives, has witnessed a notable increase in international flight movements in 2024, signaling a promising trend in the country’s aviation sector.
According to the latest data from the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), international flight movements at VIA recorded a 5% rise from January to October this year. The data indicates a steady increase in air traffic to the Maldives, with a total of 13,671 international flight movements recorded during the same period in 2024, up from 13,018 in 2023.
A breakdown of the data reveals that 12,565 of the total movements were scheduled commercial flights, while 1,106 were attributed to charter flights and private flights. This mix highlights the Maldives’ appeal to both mass tourism and luxury travelers seeking exclusive experiences.
The growing number of flight movements underscores the ongoing recovery of the Maldives’ tourism sector, which is a vital pillar of the nation’s economy. As of October 2024, the Ministry of Tourism reported that 43 airlines were operating flights to the Maldives, demonstrating the country’s strong international connectivity. Additionally, the total international arrivals reached 1,855,799 as of December 3, 2024, reinforcing the growing demand for the Maldives as a sought-after holiday destination.
The highly anticipated opening of the new international terminal at Velana International Airport, scheduled for mid-2025, will significantly enhance the airport’s capacity, potentially facilitating an increase in flight operations. While 82% of the terminal is already complete, the decision was made to extend the timeline to ensure every detail is perfect for an exceptional passenger experience.
