The new terminal, inaugurated on 26 July 2025, served more than 2,000 passengers by the end of that month, according to the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).
SunOnline International
The latest Maldives Tourism Update, published by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment on 14 August 2025, reports that total tourist arrivals have reached 1.4 million, accounting for 63.6 percent of the total tourist arrivals projected for the year. This growth momentum aligns with the projections in the 2024 Annual Report of the Maldives Monetary Authority, which states that the tourism sector will strengthen further as the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) becomes operational, expanding the airport’s capacity and easing existing bottlenecks to accommodate more international traffic.
The new terminal, inaugurated on 26 July 2025, served more than 2,000 passengers by the end of that month, according to the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL). As of 13 August 2025, total tourist arrivals have increased by 9.0 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. While 86,940 arrivals were recorded for the period 1-13 August 2025, this represents a 3.2 percent increase compared to the same period in August 2024. Average daily arrivals now stand at 6,141, up from 5,614 reported on 14 August 2024.
The monthly arrival data indicate a consistent recovery and expansion in tourist arrivals year-on-year, with the monthly arrivals of July 2025 showing an increase of 11.5 percent compared to July 2024. The new VIA terminal is expected to support continued growth by increasing capacity and improving passenger experience.
As of 13 August 2025, China remains the leading market with 209,865 arrivals, increasing its share to 15.2 percent from 13.9 percent in 2024. Russia follows at 11.9 percent, while the UK, Italy, and Germany account for 9.2 percent, 7.2 percent, and 6.9 percent respectively. Together, these markets now contribute 50.4 percent of total arrivals, an increase from 47.9 percent last year. Enhanced capacity at VIA is expected to further consolidate these key markets, and diversify arrivals from other regions, offering stakeholders with the opportunity to strengthen their competitiveness and engage with high-growth segments.
Tourist arrivals remain predominantly focused on resorts, representing more than 70 percent of total arrivals, while guesthouses continue to attract a smaller yet notable share of visitors. This trend offers clear opportunities for investors and local communities to increase their participation in the tourism sector and capitalise on the increasing demand for local experiences. Hotels and tourist vessels represent a relatively small share of total arrivals, at 2.7 per cent and 2.1 per cent respectively.
With 44 airlines already offering direct connections to the Maldives, the new VIA terminal is expected to attract additional carriers and increase flight frequencies. Notably, Air Arabia, serving key market segments such as Middle Eastern, European, and Asian travellers, has become the first international airline to operate from the new terminal, signalling growing international interest and supporting the continued expansion of the Maldives’ tourism industry.
