Raya Airways Begins Scheduled Freighter Operations to Velana International Airport

Raya Airways has launched twice‑weekly scheduled freighter services to Velana International Airport (MLE), marking a significant expansion of the airport’s regional cargo connectivity. The inaugural flight operated on 14 August 2026, establishing a direct link between Penang (PEN) and Malé.

The service is chartered by Teleport, a major logistics provider in Southeast Asia, with Raya Airways operating Boeing 767‑200 freighters on the route. Each aircraft movement offers an average payload capacity of 46 tonnes, making this the first scheduled widebody freighter operation handled by Velana International Airport.

The new route provides MLE with its first direct freighter connection to Penang and its first scheduled freighter service from Malaysia. Although the airport has previously managed charter freighter flights from the region, the introduction of Raya Airways’ scheduled operations brings dedicated and regular cargo capacity between Southeast Asia and the Maldives.

According to MACL, an estimated 80–90% of cargo transported on the service will be transshipment cargo, reinforcing MLE’s growing role as a connecting cargo hub and offering shippers alternative access to major global markets.

Raya Airways becomes the second scheduled freighter operator in MLE’s expanding freighter network. The addition reflects MACL’s continued efforts to attract new operators, diversify cargo routes, and strengthen Velana International Airport’s position as a transshipment gateway in the Indian Ocean.

From January to July 2026, MLE handled 3,228 tonnes of freighter cargo across 390 freighter movements, with operations linking the airport to Bengaluru, Chennai, Yangon, Colombo, Bangkok, Dubai, and Hanoi. In 2025, the airport processed more than 4,300 tonnes across 518 freighter movements, demonstrating sustained growth.