VIA Handles 2.35 Million Passengers in Q1 as Cargo Growth Accelerates

Velana International Airport (VIA) handled 2.35 million passengers in the first quarter of 2026, alongside strong growth in cargo operations, reflecting increasing activity in the Maldives aviation sector.

The growth follows the opening of VIA’s new state of the art terminal last July, with the upgraded facility now beginning to deliver improved capacity and operational efficiency.

According to statistics shared by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), cargo handling at the airport reached 24,782 tonnes, marking a 13% increase compared to the same period last year. Of this total, 18,908 tonnes were inbound shipments, while 5,873 tonnes were outbound. Transshipment cargo also showed notable growth, rising 14% to 4,277 tonnes, driven largely by strong air to air connectivity.

Within transshipment operations, air to air cargo accounted for 3,955 tonnes, while sea to air cargo contributed 322 tonnes, underscoring VIA’s growing role as a regional logistics hub.

Freighter activity recorded a significant boost, with 264 freighter movements handled during the quarter. Freight throughput from these operations reached 2,168 tonnes, representing a sharp 433% increase, one of the standout performances of the period.

Passenger traffic continued its upward trend, with the 2.35 million passengers recorded in Q1 reflecting a 4% increase year on year. This included 1.53 million international passengers, 317,286 domestic travellers, and 498,411 seaplane passengers, highlighting the continued strength of tourism and domestic connectivity.

Operationally, the airport recorded 72,128 air traffic movements, up 5% compared to the same period last year. This included 9,978 international movements, 54,594 seaplane operations, and 7,556 domestic flights.

The quarter also saw record breaking daily performances. The highest single day passenger throughput reached 28,360 wheel based on January 11, while seaplane operations peaked at 9,351 passengers on February 15. Additionally, March recorded the highest ever monthly air to air transshipment tonnage handled at the airport.

These figures highlight Velana International Airport’s continued growth trajectory, supported by increasing connectivity, rising tourism demand, and expanding cargo operations, further strengthening its position as a key aviation and logistics hub in the Indian Ocean.