The Maldives’ main international gateway, Velana International Airport (VIA), has recorded a significant boost in international flight movements, signaling a positive trend in the country’s aviation sector. According to the latest data from the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), international flight movements at VIA rose by 5% from January to October this year.
An impressive 13,671 international movements were recorded at VIA during the same period in 2024, surpassing the previous year’s total of 13,018. This extraordinary growth in air traffic highlights the Maldives’ increasing allure to both regular mass tourists and luxury travelers seeking unique experiences.
According to the breakdown of the data, 12,565 of the 13,671 movements were accounted for by scheduled commercial flights, while 1,106 were attributed to charter flights and private flights. This diverse mix of regular and specialized travel underscores the growing appeal of the Maldives as an alluring destination for a wide range of travelers.
The substantial increase in flight movements emphasizes the promising resurgence of the Maldives tourism sector, a keystone of the nation’s economy. The Ministry of Tourism has reported that as of October 2024, 43 airlines were operating flights to the Maldives, reflecting the country’s enhanced international connectivity. Furthermore, the total international arrivals reached 1,855,799 as of December 3, 2024, solidifying the Maldives as a prominent destination for travelers.
The much-anticipated opening of the new international terminal at Velana International Airport is scheduled for mid-2025, marked by the completion of 82% of the development. A strategic decision has been made to extend the timeline to ensure every detail aligns with the goal of delivering an exceptional passenger experience. Upon completion, the new terminal is anticipated to significantly improve the airport’s capacity, potentially facilitating an increase in flight operations.
