Virgin Atlantic Begins Operations from VIA’s New Terminal 1

Virgin Atlantic has officially commenced operations from the newly opened Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport (VIA), marking another milestone in the expansion of the Maldives’ main international gateway.

A special ceremony was held today to celebrate the launch, attended by Ibrahim Thoha, Managing Director of Maldives National Air Traffic Services (MNATS), alongside Virgin Atlantic’s Airport Manager Aasim Shaikh and senior officials from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).

During the event, Virgin Atlantic’s check-in counters were formally inaugurated, and the first passengers traveling from Terminal 1 were presented with commemorative gifts. A total of 24 passengers boarded the departing flight, while the arriving Virgin Atlantic flight VS384 — carrying 258 passengers — received a warm Maldivian welcome with traditional cultural performances.

Virgin Atlantic becomes the second British airline to operate from VIA’s state-of-the-art Terminal 1, following the launch of British Airways’ services from the new terminal on 24 October. The airline, which began flights to the Maldives in October 2023, will now join 13 other international carriers operating from the upgraded facility.

With Virgin Atlantic’s move, Terminal 1 now serves a total of 14 airlines, underscoring VIA’s growing importance as a key aviation hub in the Indian Ocean. According to MACL, the goal is to provide world-class service and seamless travel experiences to all airlines and passengers using the terminal.