The newly developed international passenger terminal, Terminal 1, at Velana International Airport (VIA) commenced operations today with the official launch of services by AirAsia Malaysia and Thai AirAsia.
A special ceremony was held this morning to celebrate the milestone, officiated by Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) Managing Director Ahmed Saudhee. The event was attended by AirAsia Group Station Manager Ibrahim Abdul Kareem and senior officials from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the operator of VIA.
During the ceremony, check-in counters for both airlines were officially inaugurated. Departing passengers were presented with commemorative gifts, including the 135 passengers travelling on AirAsia Malaysia and 144 passengers on Thai AirAsia.
Arriving passengers on the airlines’ inaugural Terminal 1 flights — 164 passengers on AirAsia Malaysia flight AK074 and 138 passengers on Thai AirAsia flight FD175 — were welcomed with traditional Maldivian cultural performances, showcasing the country’s hospitality and heritage.
AirAsia Malaysia began operations to the Maldives on 22 October, while Thai AirAsia launched its service on 11 August. The commencement of services at Terminal 1 marks an expansion of operational capacity at VIA and aligns with MACL’s plan to enhance service standards and accommodate an increasing number of international carriers.
Terminal 1, which opened on 26 July 2025, is a key component of Maldives' wider aviation infrastructure development programme. With the addition of both AirAsia Group airlines, the list of carriers operating from the new terminal continues to grow, strengthening the Maldives' position as a major regional tourism and travel hub.