Etihad Becomes 29th Airline at Velana Airport Terminal 1

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates and the country’s second-largest carrier, has officially commenced services from the new terminal of Velana International Airport (VIA).

The inauguration ceremony, held yesterday at the Maldives’ main airport, was graced by the Minister of Sports, Abdulla Rafiu, alongside senior officials from Etihad Airways in the Maldives, regional executives, and high-ranking representatives from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL). The new terminal itself was inaugurated earlier this year on July 26th, representing a major milestone in the country’s aviation infrastructure development.

To celebrate the occasion, a special cultural performance was staged to warmly welcome the 180 passengers arriving on Etihad Airways’ inaugural flight to the new terminal. In addition, gifts were presented to the 305 passengers departing on Etihad flights yesterday, reflecting the spirit of hospitality and marking the significance of the airline’s entry into VIA’s new facility.

With 29 airlines now operating from Terminal 1, Velana International Airport continues to strengthen its position as a regional aviation hub, supporting both tourism and trade links for the Maldives.