July 26, 2025, A historic milestone for the Maldives! On the 60th Independence Day of the nation, the Maldives proudly inaugurated the brand-new Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport (VIA), transforming the travel experience for millions of visitors.
Why This Matters:
The new terminal doubles passenger capacity from 2 M to 7.5M travelers per year, significantly enhancing the Maldives’ ability to welcome the world. With improved infrastructure, luxury airport amenities, and faster immigration, this state-of-the-art facility sets a new standard for travel in the region.
Key Features of Velana Terminal 1:
- 72,000 sqm of smart, culturally inspired architecture
- 47 check-in counters + 24 seaplane counters
- 12 aerobridges (boarding bridges)
- Improved baggage tracking and e-gates for quick immigration
- Dedicated MICE & Wellness travel infrastructure
- Inspired interiors echoing Maldivian heritage, limestone carvings & seascapes
Celebrating Independence & Innovation
The launch aligned with 60 years of Maldivian independence, witnessed by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, and nearly 6,000 guests. Highlights included the country’s largest drone light show and synchronized fireworks from 19 capital-region locations.
Boosting Tourism & Connectivity
With over 2 million tourists in 2024 and 10% growth in 2025 so far, this expansion strengthens the Maldives’ position as a global luxury travel icon.
B2B & B2C Ready
Whether you’re a travel agent, airline, or luxury traveler — this terminal enhances every step of your journey. From check-in to boarding, you’ll feel the warm spirit of the Maldives with modern efficiency.
Plan Your Trip with Lets Go Maldives
At Lets Go Maldives, we’re proud to be at the forefront of the nation’s tourism success. Our team is ready to help you experience the Maldives like never before luxury, local expertise, and seamless connections from arrival to resort.
Explore now: letsgomaldives.com
For B2B partnerships: sales@letsgomaldives.com
