Velana International Airport’s (VIA) new international passenger terminal, Terminal 1, has officially commenced operations for AirAsia Malaysia and Thai AirAsia.

A special ceremony was held this morning to mark the start of services by the two airlines. The event was officiated by the Managing Director of Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), Ahmed Saudhee. AirAsia Group Station Manager, Ibrahim Abdul Kareem, and senior officials from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) also attended the ceremony.

As part of the inaugural celebrations, the check-in counters for both airlines were formally opened. Departing passengers were presented with gifts, including 135 passengers flying on AirAsia Malaysia and 144 passengers travelling on Thai AirAsia.

Passengers arriving on the airlines’ first flights to Terminal 1, 164 passengers on AirAsia Malaysia flight AK074, and 138 passengers on Thai AirAsia flight FD175, were welcomed with traditional Maldivian cultural performances.

AirAsia Malaysia launched services to the Maldives on 22 October, while Thai AirAsia commenced flights on 11 August.

With the addition of the two AirAsia Group carriers, the number of airlines operating from Terminal 1, which opened on 26 July 2025, continues to grow. MACL states that its goal is to provide comprehensive, high-quality services to all airlines operating to and from the Maldives.