Malaysia Airlines Begins Operations from VIA’s New Terminal 1

Velana International Airport’s (VIA) newly inaugurated Terminal 1 has officially begun serving Malaysia Airlines, marking another major milestone in the expansion of the country’s main international gateway.

The commencement of Malaysia Airlines’ operations was celebrated with a special ceremony held at Terminal 1 on October 11, 2025. The event was graced by Island Aviation Services Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas, alongside Malaysia Airlines Malé Station Head Ahmad Hanam Faiz, senior officials from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), and representatives from Malaysia Airlines.

During the ceremony, Malaysia Airlines officially opened its check-in counters at Terminal 1. To commemorate the inaugural operation, gifts were presented to the 170 passengers departing on the flight, while arriving passengers received a warm Maldivian welcome featuring traditional cultural performances.

A highlight of the occasion was a ceremonial water salute for Malaysia Airlines flight MH485, marking the first aircraft operated by the airline to be received at Terminal 1. The flight carried 172 passengers arriving from Kuala Lumpur to Malé.

With Malaysia Airlines joining the list, a total of ten airlines are now operating from VIA’s new terminal. The other carriers include Maldivian, Air Arabia, Beond, Fits Air, Beijing Capital Airlines, Batik Air, Bangkok Airways, IndiGo, and Gulf Air.

MACL has stated that the addition of Malaysia Airlines to Terminal 1 aligns with its ongoing efforts to enhance service quality and operational capacity, aiming to provide a seamless and world-class travel experience for all airlines and passengers traveling to the Maldives.