Velana International Airport’s new Terminal 1 officially began servicing Virgin Atlantic yesterday, marking the addition of another British airline at the international airport.
The service was inaugurated at a ceremony attended by Ibrahim Thoha, Managing Director of the Maldives National Air Traffic Service (MNATS), Virgin Atlantic’s Airport Manager Asim Shaih, and officials from the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).
The 258 passengers arriving on Virgin Atlantic’s first flight from Terminal 1 were welcomed with traditional cultural ceremonies.
Virgin Atlantic becomes the second UK airline to operate from Terminal 1, following British Airways, which commenced operations on 23 October 2025.
With Virgin Atlantic’s launch, the total number of airlines operating at Terminal 1 has increased to 14. MACL said its focus remains on providing high-quality services to all airlines flying to the Maldives.
