BeOnd Airlines, the world’s first luxury leisure carrier, became the third airline to officially begin operations from Velana International Airport’s (VIA) newly inaugurated international passenger terminal on Saturday.
The airline’s arrival was marked with a traditional water salute as the aircraft taxied to the new terminal, where it seamlessly connected to one of the modern passenger boarding bridges.
Minister at the President’s Office for Presidential Affairs Ali Arif, along with Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, welcomed passengers stepping off the inaugural flight. A commemorative plaque was presented to BeOnd to mark the occasion, followed by remarks from the airline’s General Manager, Ibrahim Akhthar, who described the milestone as a proud moment for the company and the country.
Launched in 2023 through a partnership between Maldivian conglomerate SIMDI Company Pvt Ltd and UAE-based investment firm Arabesque, BeOnd positions itself as the world’s first luxury airline dedicated to leisure travelers. Its operations from VIA’s state-of-the-art facility further solidify the Maldives’ ambition to brand itself as a premier travel hub in the region.
BeOnd follows Air Arabia and the national carrier Maldivian, both of which began operating from the terminal earlier this year after the facility’s official opening on Independence Day, July 26
According to MACL, the transition to the 72,000-square-meter international passenger terminal will be phased in over three months to align with international best practices. The first phase has seen Maldivian exclusively operate international services from the terminal for two weeks. The next stage will open access to narrow-body flights from other airlines, with seven already designated to join in the coming months.
MACL has enlisted Modalis Infrastructure Partners Inc. as consultants to ensure the facility complies with international standards, prioritises passenger safety, and delivers comprehensive services. Full operations are expected to commence ahead of the upcoming tourist high season.
The terminal boasts cutting-edge infrastructure, including 12 passenger boarding bridges, 47 standard check-in counters, 24 seaplane check-in counters, advanced baggage systems with real-time tracking, and modern immigration e-gates. With 41 elevators, 14 escalators, and four travellators, the terminal is designed to offer a smooth and efficient flow for passengers.
Capable of handling up to seven million travelers annually, the terminal integrates Maldivian-inspired design elements into its architecture, with wall patterns reflecting the nation’s natural beauty. Officials project the expansion will not only boost airline partnerships and flight frequencies but also strengthen the Maldives’ position as a world-class tourism destination.
