Air Arabia Becomes First Foreign Airline to Operate from Velana International Airport’s New Terminal 1

Air Arabia has officially become the first international foreign airline to commence operations from the newly inaugurated Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport (MLE). The airline’s inaugural flight from the terminal took place today, August 13, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the phased transition of carriers to the state-of-the-art facility.

A ceremonial ribbon-cutting event was held to commemorate the launch, attended by senior officials from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Air Arabia Group, and invited dignitaries. The ceremony symbolized not only the operational commencement of Air Arabia’s services from Terminal 1 but also the broader evolution of Velana International Airport into a modern gateway for international travel.

Terminal 1 was officially inaugurated on July 26, 2025, coinciding with the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day. Initially, only the national carrier Maldivian operated from the new terminal. Today’s launch by Air Arabia marks the first foreign airline transition, setting the stage for other international carriers to follow in the coming weeks.

The terminal itself represents a transformative upgrade for the airport, with capacity to handle up to 7.5 million passengers annually. It features six aerobridges, automated baggage systems, and expanded immigration and check-in facilities designed to streamline passenger flow and enhance the travel experience.

As the phased changes continues, additional carriers are expected to begin operations from Terminal over the coming weeks.