Velana International Airport Earns Two World Travel Awards Nominations

Velana International Airport (VIA) has been nominated for two global honours at the World Travel Awards 2026, bringing further international recognition to the Maldives’ main gateway.

The airport is competing for World’s Leading Airport 2026 and World’s Leading Airport – Customer Experience 2026, with public voting open until 30 October 2026.

The nominations follow VIA’s success in September, when it was named Indian Ocean’s Leading Airport 2026 at the World Travel Awards ceremony held in the Maldives. The latest recognition places VIA alongside some of the world’s most recognised airports.

VIA is among 21 nominees for World’s Leading Airport, sharing the shortlist with Singapore Changi Airport, Dubai International Airport, Hong Kong International Airport, iGA Istanbul Airport and other major international hubs. It is also among 12 contenders for the customer experience title, alongside airports including Zayed International Airport, Sydney Airport and Auckland Airport.

The customer experience nomination highlights Maldives Airports Company Limited’s (MACL) continued efforts to improve the passenger journey as VIA grows and modernises to welcome increasing numbers of travellers.

As the principal international gateway to the Maldives, VIA provides many visitors with their first and last impressions of the country. These nominations offer an opportunity to celebrate the airport’s role in connecting the Maldives with the world and supporting its tourism industry.

MACL has invited Maldivians, travellers, tourism industry partners and friends of the Maldives worldwide to support VIA by voting in both categories through the official World Travel Awards website.

Winners will be 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.