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Velana International Airport’s (VIA) new passenger terminal, Terminal 1, has officially begun serving Batik Air and Bangkok Airways, further expanding its operations since opening earlier this year...
Mohamed Hilmy
22 September 2025, 00:00
Velana International Airport’s (VIA) new passenger terminal, Terminal 1, has officially begun serving Batik Air and Bangkok Airways, further expanding its operations since opening earlier this year.
A special
ceremony was held today to mark the occasion, attended by Commissioner General
of Customs Fathimath Dhiyana as the guest of honor. Senior officials, including
Maldives Airports Company Limited’s (MACL) Deputy Managing Director Mujtaba
Latheef, Batik Air Malé Station Manager Ali Shinan, and Bangkok Airways Deputy
Director of Station Management Nititham Kakhanumporn, were also present.
During the
ceremony, check-in counters for both airlines were inaugurated, and the first
flights — Batik Air’s OD293-5 and Bangkok Airways’ PG711-2 — received a
ceremonial water salute upon arrival at Terminal 1. Passengers were welcomed
with a cultural reception showcasing Maldivian hospitality.
With the
addition of Batik Air and Bangkok Airways, Terminal 1 now serves a total of
seven airlines, including Maldivian, Air Arabia, Beond, Flyr, and Beijing
Capital Airlines. MACL stated that the expansion demonstrates its commitment to
offering world-class service to international carriers and passengers traveling
to the Maldives.
The opening of
Terminal 1 represents a major milestone in VIA’s modernization project,
designed to accommodate growing passenger traffic and strengthen the Maldives’
position as a key hub for regional and international travel.
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