Services commenced yesterday at the seaplane check-in counters at the new Terminal 1 of Velana International Airport, marking a shift in how seaplane passengers begin their domestic journeys.
Maldives Airports Company Limited said the move is intended to improve ease and convenience for passengers travelling onwards by seaplane. The counters are located in an air-conditioned area designed to offer greater comfort, particularly for international arrivals connecting to resort destinations.
The seaplane check-in counters are situated adjacent to the arrivals gate at Terminal 1. After completing check-in, passengers are transported from this area to the Noovilu seaplane terminal for onward travel.
Ahead of the launch, MACL conducted trial operations in December last year. These trials were carried out in collaboration with national carrier Maldivian and Villa Group’s seaplane operator FlyMe.
Terminal 1 became operational in July last year. Until now, however, seaplane check-in services continued to operate from the old terminal building.
The new terminal was developed at a cost of USD 457 million, equivalent to around MVR 7 billion. It currently handles operations for 39 airlines, with Aeroflot being the most recent carrier to transition its operations to Terminal 1.
