- Velana International Airport has been nominated for World's Leading Airport 2026 and World's Leading Airport – Customer Experience 2026 at the World Travel Awards.
- VIA competes against major hubs like Singapore Changi, Dubai International and Hong Kong International, with public voting open until 30 October 2026.
- The nominations follow VIA winning Indian Ocean's Leading Airport in September 2026, with MACL inviting Maldivians and travellers to vote.
Velana International Airport (VIA) is competing for two global titles at the World Travel Awards 2026, following its recognition as Indian Ocean’s Leading Airport in September.
The airport has been nominated for World’s Leading Airport 2026 and World’s Leading Airport – Customer Experience 2026, according to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL). Public voting for both categories is open until 30 October 2026.
VIA is among 21 nominees for World’s Leading Airport, alongside Singapore Changi Airport, Dubai International Airport, Hong Kong International Airport, iGA Istanbul Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport and Zurich Airport.
The customer experience category has 12 nominees, including Changi Airport, Dubai International Airport, Hong Kong International Airport, Zayed International Airport, Sydney Airport and Auckland Airport.
MACL linked the customer experience nomination to its work to improve passenger services as VIA expands and modernises to accommodate growing traveller numbers. As the Maldives’ principal international gateway, the airport plays a central role in handling arrivals to the country’s tourism industry.
The nominations follow VIA’s regional award at the World Travel Awards ceremony held in the Maldives in September 2026.
MACL has invited Maldivians, travellers and tourism industry partners to vote for VIA in both categories through the official World Travel Awards website.
Winners are determined by votes from travel and tourism professionals and the public, with the results to be announced at the World Travel Awards Grand Final later this year.
