ITA Airways Begins Operations at Velana International Airport’s Terminal 1

ITA Airways has commenced operations at Terminal 1 of Velana International Airport, becoming the 35th airline to begin using the new international terminal. The airline’s inaugural arrival was welcomed with a ceremonial water salute, followed by traditional Maldivian boduberu performances for disembarking passengers.

ITA Airways has a history of operating seasonal services to the Maldives, continuing the winter‑season routes previously flown by Alitalia before the carrier ceased operations in 2021.

Terminal 1, opened as part of Velana International Airport’s major expansion programme, is designed to handle significantly higher passenger volumes and streamline international operations.

The terminal features modern processing facilities, aerobridges, and upgraded passenger‑handling systems, forming part of a phased transition in which airlines are progressively shifting from the older terminal to the new facility Maldives.