Velana International Airport’s (VIA) newly developed Terminal 1 has commenced operations for Chongqing Airlines.

A special ceremony was held to mark the airline’s first operation from the new terminal. During the event, Chongqing Airlines officially opened its check-in counters and presented gifts to 142 passengers travelling on the inaugural flight. The arriving flight was welcomed with a ceremonial water salute, followed by a traditional Maldivian cultural reception for its 79 passengers.

Chongqing Airlines becomes the 12th airline to begin operations from Terminal 1, joining Maldivian, Air Arabia, Batik Air, Beyond, Beijing Capital Airlines, Bangkok Airways, FitsAir, IndiGo, Gulf Air, Malaysia Airlines, and Saudia Airlines.

Based in Chongqing, China, Chongqing Airlines operates both domestic passenger services within mainland China and international routes to Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore.

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) stated that it remains committed to providing high-quality services to all airlines operating from the new terminal as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the overall passenger experience at VIA.