Seaplane services have officially commenced from Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport, marking a new phase in airport operations with the introduction of dedicated seaplane check-in counters and designated bus routes to ferry passengers to the seaplane terminal.
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) said the south parking zone near Arrival Gate 4 of the new terminal has been reserved exclusively for seaplane operators and MACL staff buses. The company has advised the public that other vehicles are not permitted to enter or park in the area, warning that unauthorised access or obstruction of operations will not be allowed.
Terminal 1 has been fitted with 24 dedicated check-in counters for seaplane passengers, a move MACL says is aimed at streamlining transfers and improving service efficiency. The upgraded facilities are also expected to support the Maldives’ standing as home to the world’s largest seaplane operation, which plays a critical role in transporting tourists to resorts across the atolls.
Terminal 1 officially opened on 26 July last year, and since then 41 international airlines have completed their transition to the new facility. The shift has been part of a broader effort to modernise airport infrastructure and address long-standing capacity constraints.
The previous terminal, which was built in 1978, had faced limitations in handling growing passenger numbers. In contrast, the new terminal is designed to accommodate up to 7.5 million passengers annually, significantly enhancing operational capacity and improving the overall travel experience for passengers.
MACL said the commencement of seaplane services from Terminal 1 is expected to further ease passenger flow at the airport and strengthen connectivity across the country’s tourism network.
