The World’s Leading Airport – Customer Experience nomination recognises MACL’s continued focus on enhancing the passenger experience at VIA, as the airport continues to grow and modernise to serve increasing numbers of travellers to the Maldives.
MACL
The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has announced that Velana International Airport (VIA) has been nominated in two categories at the World Travel Awards 2026: World’s Leading Airport 2026 and World’s Leading Airport – Customer Experience 2026. Public voting for both categories is now open and will run until 30 October 2026.
The nominations follow VIA being named Indian Ocean’s Leading Airport 2026 at the World Travel Awards held in the Maldives in September 2026. With these nominations, VIA now stands alongside some of the world’s most recognised airports, competing for the highest honours in the industry.
In the World’s Leading Airport 2026 category, VIA is one of 21 nominees, alongside Singapore Changi Airport, Dubai International Airport, Hong Kong International Airport, iGA Istanbul Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport and Zurich Airport. In the World’s Leading Airport – Customer Experience 2026 category, VIA is one of 12 nominees, competing with airports including Changi Airport, Dubai International Airport, Hong Kong International Airport, Zayed International Airport, Sydney Airport and Auckland Airport.
The World’s Leading Airport – Customer Experience nomination recognises MACL’s continued focus on enhancing the passenger experience at VIA, as the airport continues to grow and modernise to serve increasing numbers of travellers to the Maldives.
MACL invites the people of the Maldives, travellers, tourism industry partners and friends of the Maldives around the world to vote for Velana International Airport in both categories. Votes can be cast through the official World Travel Awards website.
Voting Links: World’s Leading Airport 2026 | World’s Leading Airport – Customer Experience 2026
World Travel Awards winners are decided by votes cast by travel and tourism professionals and the public and will be announced at the World Travel Awards Grand Final later this year. As the principal international gateway to the Maldives, Velana International Airport offers travellers from around the world their first and last experience of the country.
