MACL highlighted VIA’s geographic position, expanding airline network and multimodal cargo services as key factors supporting the airport’s development as a link between regional and international cargo markets.
VIA
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) showcased the growing cargo operations at Velana International Airport (VIA) and its potential to become a major transshipment hub in the Indian Ocean at Air Cargo China 2026 in Shanghai on July 20.
During the event, MACL held discussions with airlines, freight forwarders and logistics companies from the international air cargo sector. The company said the meetings focused on expanding links with Asian markets, attracting additional freighter operations and improving cargo connectivity with Europe, North America and the Commonwealth of Independent States.
MACL highlighted VIA’s geographic position, expanding airline network and multimodal cargo services as key factors supporting the airport’s development as a link between regional and international cargo markets.
VIA handled 36,367 tonnes of cargo during the first six months of 2026, representing a 5 percent increase compared with the same period in 2025. Transshipment cargo accounted for 7,982 tonnes, recording a 15 percent year-on-year increase.
Freighter activity also recorded significant growth during the period. A total of 358 freighter flights operated through the airport, carrying 2,925 tonnes of cargo. According to MACL, this represents a 174 percent increase compared with the first half of 2025.
The airport also recorded its highest daily outbound transshipment cargo volume on July 12, when 140 tonnes of cargo were handled in a single day.
China was the second-largest origin for inbound transshipment cargo during the first half of 2026, behind Sri Lanka. On the outbound side, the United States remained the leading destination, with approximately 1,618 tonnes of transshipment cargo routed through the Maldives.
MACL also highlighted the performance of its Sea-to-Air transshipment service, which was introduced in 2024. The service has transported more than 5,000 tonnes of cargo in partnership with 17 airlines, connecting cargo from regional ports such as Colombo, Mumbai, Dhaka and Tuticorin with destinations across Europe and North America through VIA.
