Velana International Airport’s (VIA) new Terminal 1 has begun servicing Air India, marking another step in expanding the terminal’s operational capacity.
A ceremony was held to commemorate the milestone, attended by Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives, G. Balasubramanian. During the event, Air India’s dedicated check-in counters at Terminal 1 were officially opened. Passengers departing on the inaugural flight were presented with gifts, while the first group of 132 passengers arriving at the terminal were greeted with traditional Maldivian cultural performances.
Air India, India’s national carrier, first launched flights to the Maldives on 21 February 1976, establishing one of the earliest air links between the two countries.
With Air India now operating from the facility, Terminal 1 at VIA currently serves 18 airlines in total, reflecting steady progress in the gradual transition of international carriers to the new terminal.
