Velana International Airport’s (VIA) new passenger Terminal 1 has officially begun serving Batik Air and Bangkok Airways, expanding the number of airlines operating from the modern facility to seven.

A ceremony held on 22 September 2025 celebrated the commencement of services from Terminal 1, attended by Commissioner General of Customs Fathimath Dhiyana, Maldives Airports Company Limited’s (MACL) Deputy Managing Director Mujthaba Latheef, Batik Air Malé Station Manager Ali Sinan, Bangkok Airways Station Management Nithitam Kakanumpon, and other senior officials.

During the ceremony, the check-in counters of the two airlines were formally opened, and passengers arriving on the inaugural flights received a special welcome. A cultural performance and water salute greeted Batik Air’s OD293-5 and Bangkok Airways’ PG711-2, the first flights from the carriers to arrive at the new terminal.

With the addition of Batik Air and Bangkok Airways, Terminal 1 now accommodates seven airlines, including Maldivian, Air Arabia, Beyond, Fitz Air and Beijing Capital Airlines.