International air traffic through Velana International Airport (VIA) rose by 4 per cent in the first seven months of this year compared to the same period in 2024, according to figures published by the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA).

Between January and July 2025, VIA recorded a total of 10,187 international flights, comprising 9,358 scheduled services and 829 chartered and private jet trips. This compares with 9,698 international flights during the same period last year.

The data show that the bulk of the increase came from scheduled services, which grew by 5.4 per cent, rising from 8,866 flights in 2024 to 9,358 this year. 

The rise in international flights coincided with a notable increase in tourist arrivals. MMA reported that visitor numbers to the Maldives grew by 9.5 per cent in the same period, while tourist’s number of nights spent in resorts, guesthouses, and hotels rose by 1.4 per cent.