Velana International Airport (VIA) welcomed more than four million passengers in the first six months of 2025, marking a steady rise in traffic through the country’s main aviation hub, according to figures released by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).
Data from the airport operator shows 4,108,845 passengers passed through VIA between January and June — a four percent increase compared to the same period last year.
International travellers made up the majority of the traffic, with 2,669,969 passengers arriving or departing on overseas flights. Domestic services accounted for 579,079 passengers, while a further 859,797 journeys were made by seaplane.
The busiest day of the year so far was 4 January, when the airport handled 26,658 passengers in a single day. Seaplane operations also set a record on 16 February, with 7,439 passengers flying — the highest daily figure for the sector this year.
In step with the growth in passenger numbers, air traffic movements rose by seven percent in the first half of the year, totalling 124,665 flights. This included 17,614 international services, 14,100 domestic flights, and a significant 92,941 seaplane movements.
Cargo operations also saw an uptick, with 34,000 tonnes cleared through VIA between January and June — a six percent increase year-on-year.
The growth comes as VIA’s new international passenger terminal becomes fully operational. Designed to handle up to seven million passengers annually, the facility is expected to enhance connectivity, ease congestion, and support the Maldives’ expanding tourism and trade sectors.
