Etihad Named Airline of the Year as MACL Launches Velana Awards to Elevate Maldives Aviation

Etihad Airways was crowned Airline of the Year at the inaugural Velana Awards, as Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) unveiled a new national platform to recognise excellence across the aviation sector.

The landmark ceremony, held at CROSSROADS Maldives, brought together senior aviation leaders, airline partners, and key stakeholders from tourism and logistics, underscoring the collaborative ecosystem that supports the Maldives’ global connectivity and growth.

The event was attended by MACL’s Managing Director and CEO, Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, alongside senior leadership and industry representatives.

A New Benchmark for Aviation Excellence

The Velana Awards mark the first dedicated initiative in the Maldives to formally recognise performance across aviation, spanning Passenger, Cargo, and Lounge Services. A total of 22 awards were presented, with the Airline of the Year honour positioned as the highest recognition for overall contribution to the industry.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed said the awards go beyond recognition.

“The Velana Awards are more than trophies — they are our way of thanking our partners for their collaboration, commitment, and pursuit of excellence.”

He added that MACL views growth not only in operational terms, but also through the strength of partnerships and service quality delivered to passengers.

Key Award Winners

Passenger Awards International

Top Airline by Passenger Growth

East and Southeast Asia: AirAsia

Middle East: Etihad Airways

Commonwealth of Independent States: Aeroflot

Europe: Virgin Atlantic

Indian Subcontinent: FitsAir

Top Airline by Passenger Throughput

East and Southeast Asia: Singapore Airlines

Middle East: Emirates

Commonwealth of Independent States: Aeroflot

Europe: Turkish Airlines

Indian Subcontinent: IndiGo

Passenger Awards Domestic

Top Domestic Airline by Passenger Growth: Manta Air

Top Domestic Airline by Passenger Throughput: Trans Maldivian Airways

Cargo Awards

Top Airline by Air to Air Import: Afcom Holdings Ltd

Top Airline by Air to Air Export: Qatar Airways

Top Airline by Sea to Air Export: Qatar Airways

Top Airline by Cargo Throughput: Emirates

Freighter of the Year: Afcom Holdings Ltd

Lounge and Partner Awards

Vilu Partner Award: Jawakara Island Maldives

Travel Agent and Tour Operator: Avia Maldives

Resort: Soneva Resorts Maldives

Koveli Partner Award: Emirates

Strengthening Maldives’ Global Position

The launch of the Velana Awards reflects MACL’s broader strategy to strengthen service standards and reinforce the Maldives’ reputation as a premier global destination.

By recognising performance across airlines, cargo operators, and hospitality partners, MACL aims to encourage continuous improvement while deepening the partnerships that sustain the country’s aviation and tourism sectors.

For the Maldives, where aviation is the lifeline of tourism, the Velana Awards signal a new era of structured recognition and industry-wide excellence.