Sri Lanka’s decision to propose Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) as an alternative hub for major Gulf airlines highlights how countries in the region are moving quickly to adapt to shifting aviation realities. By positioning MRIA as a reliable southern routing option during a period of Middle Eastern airspace disruption, Sri Lanka is demonstrating the kind of strategic thinking that the Maldives, too, must consider as it works to strengthen and future‑proof its

A Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) vehicle overturned on the Male’ – Hulhumale’ highway after crashing into the bridge‑side fencing, leaving two people injured and receiving medical treatment. Images widely shared on social media show the small white truck flipped onto its side near the roadside barrier. According to the Maldives Police Service, the incident occurred while the vehicle was travelling from Hulhumale’ toward Velana International Airport. The vehicle stru

Private jet traffic to the Maldives has surged sharply with 128 aircraft landing between 28 February and 14 March, marking a 166 percent increase compared to the 70 arrivals recorded during the same period last year. The figures point to a significant shift in how high‑end travellers are reaching the island nation, with many opting for direct private aviation amid widespread cancellations and delays affecting major transit hubs across the Middle East. Last year, the Maldives

A drone incident near Dubai International Airport (DXB) has triggered a fire affecting one of the airport’s fuel tanks, leading to widespread operational disruption across the region. According to the Dubai Media Office, Dubai Civil Defence teams are currently working to bring the fire under control, and no injuries have been reported. Authorities confirmed that an unauthorised drone was detected in the vicinity of the airport, resulting in an impact that caused a fire at a f

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has issued a revised circular confirming that employees who work more than five hours during Ramadan will continue to receive overtime pay, reinstating the long‑standing practice followed in previous years. The move follows strong internal and public backlash to an earlier circular that indicated overtime would not be paid for work exceeding five hours during the holy month. That initial notice marked a clear departure from previous ye

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has announced revised working hour arrangements for Velana International Airport (VIA) during Ramadan 1447 and the first seven days of Shawwal, introducing a shorter daily schedule for administrative staff while significantly changing how overtime pay will be calculated for the wider workforce. Under the new directive, administrative employees will work 4 hours and 30 minutes per day, with official hours set from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm. A

Velana International Airport (VIA) recorded a strong year in 2025, handling 8.28 million passengers, a 7% increase compared to the previous year. The growth reflects continued demand across international, domestic, and seaplane operations, supported by rising tourist arrivals and improved inter‑island connectivity. Of the total passenger volume, 5.38 million were international travellers, underscoring VIA’s role as the Maldives’ primary gateway. Domestic traffic reached 1.17

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) is one of the strongest and most profitable state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in the Maldives. Its financial performance, anchored by the operation of Velana International Airport has consistently placed it at the top among SOEs. However, over the course of 2025, MACL embarked on an unusually broad and intensive investment programme aligned with government development priorities. The scale, speed, and diversity of these commitments repres

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has implemented a revised fee structure for vehicles operating inside Velana International Airport (VIA). According to MACL, the new fee structure is based on the COE framework, which requires all vehicles operating within designated airport zones to obtain a COE permit. Under this system, MACL has introduced two categories of fees: 1. Operational Vehicles Standard rate: USD 3,000 per year No discounts available 2. Premium Vehicles Sta