Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) successfully hosted the inaugural Velana Awards last Thursday, establishing the nation’s first dedicated platform to recognise excellence and performance across the aviation sector.
Held at CROSSROADS Maldives, the landmark ceremony brought together senior aviation leaders, airline partners, and key stakeholders from the tourism and transport industries, highlighting the strength of partnerships that continue to drive connectivity, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth in the Maldives.
The ceremony was attended by MACL’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, alongside the company’s senior leadership and distinguished industry representatives.
Introduced as an annual recognition platform, the Velana Awards celebrate organisations whose contributions enhance passenger experience, strengthen cargo capabilities, and support the Maldives’ position as a leading global travel destination. A total of 22 awards were presented across three main categories — Passenger, Cargo, and Lounge Services — with the prestigious Airline of the Year accolade recognising exceptional overall contribution to the aviation landscape.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed described the Velana Awards as a reflection of the strong partnerships that drive the airport’s success.
Full List of Winners – Velana Awards 2026
Domestic Airline Awards
- Top Domestic Airline by Passenger Throughput: Trans Maldivian Airways
- Top Domestic Airline by Passenger Growth: Manta Air
Lounge Partner Awards
- Maamahi Partner Award – Travel Agent & Tour Operator: Avia Maldives
- Maamahi Partner Award – Resort: Soneva Resorts, Maldives
- Vilu Partner Award: Jawakara Island Maldives
- Koveli Partner Award: Emirates
Cargo Awards
- Top Airline by Air-to-Air Import: Afcom Holdings Ltd
- Top Airline by Air-to-Air Export: Qatar Airways
- Top Airline by Sea-to-Air Export: Qatar Airways
- Top Airline by Cargo Throughput: Emirates
- Freighter of the Year: Afcom Holdings Ltd
International Airline Awards
Indian Subcontinent
- Top Airline by Passenger Throughput: Indigo
- Top Airline by Passenger Growth: Fits Air
East & South East Asia
- Top Airline by Passenger Throughput: Singapore Airlines
- Top Airline by Passenger Growth: AirAsia
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
- Top Airline by Passenger Throughput: Aeroflot
- Top Airline by Passenger Growth: Aeroflot
Middle East
- Top Airline by Passenger Throughput: Emirates
- Top Airline by Passenger Growth: Etihad Airways
Europe
- Top Airline by Passenger Throughput: Turkish Airlines
- Top Airline by Passenger Growth: Virgin Atlantic
Prestigious Award
- Airline of the Year 2026: Etihad Airways
The awards highlighted the achievements of partners in enhancing connectivity, customer experience, and operational performance at Velana International Airport, reinforcing the Maldives’ commitment to aviation excellence and international connectivity.
