The first quarter of 2026 marked the welcoming of 2.35 million passengers, which is a 4 percent increase.
VIA
Velana International Airport (VIA) has reported strong growth in passenger traffic during the first quarter of 2026, welcoming a total of 2.35 million passengers — a 4 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
According to the airport, international travellers accounted for the largest share of arrivals, with 1.53 million passengers recorded during the quarter. Domestic travel also remained significant, with 317,286 passengers, while 498,411 passengers travelled via seaplane services.
VIA also revealed its highest daily passenger throughput figures for the year so far. On 11 January 2026, the airport recorded its busiest day for wheel-based passenger traffic, handling 28,360 passengers. Meanwhile, seaplane operations reached their peak on 15 February 2026, when 9,351 passengers were welcomed.
In terms of flight activity, Velana Airport registered 72,128 air traffic movements in the first quarter — reflecting a 5 percent increase year-on-year. Of these movements, 9,978 were international flights, 54,594 were seaplane operations, and 7,556 were domestic flights.
The figures highlight continued growth in both passenger demand and operational activity at Velana International Airport, reinforcing its role as the Maldives’ primary aviation gateway.
