Emirates commences operations at Velana International Airport’s new Terminal

Operations by Emirates at the newly opened Terminal 1 of Velana International Airport officially commenced today, marked by a ceremonial ribbon-cutting that signified the opening of the airline’s check-in counters at the state-of-the-art facility.

With this milestone, Emirates becomes the 37th airline to begin operations at Terminal 1, underscoring the terminal’s growing role as the Maldives’ primary international aviation gateway.

Emirates is the largest airline serving the Maldives, playing a pivotal role in bringing visitors from key markets across Europe and the Arab world. The airline’s transition to the new terminal comes at the start of the country’s peak tourism season, a move expected to further enhance the travel experience for passengers while supporting sustained growth in tourist arrivals.

Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport was officially opened on July 26, 2025, marking a major upgrade to the country’s aviation infrastructure. The new terminal has increased the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity to 7.5 million, replacing the ageing old terminal and significantly improving operational efficiency.

Equipped with modern facilities such as aerobridges, self-service check-in kiosks and expanded duty-free retail areas, Terminal 1 is designed to offer a seamless, comfortable and world-class experience for travelers. The commencement of Emirates operations at the terminal represents a significant boost to the Maldives’ tourism sector and reinforces the country’s position as a leading global destination.