Velana International Airport (VIA) celebrated its 59th anniversary on Saturday, marking nearly six decades of connecting the Maldives to the world.

A special flag hoisting ceremony was held to commemorate the occasion, attended by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) management, staff, and key stakeholders from across the aviation sector.

Speaking at the event, MACL CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed expressed gratitude to the Government for its continued support and highlighted the vital role of airport employees in the country’s development. He noted that while contractors would lead ongoing infrastructure projects, it is the staff who will bring these developments to life and translate them into long-term national benefits.

Shareef emphasised that the upcoming year would be a significant period of transformation for VIA, with a strong focus on enhancing service quality and passenger satisfaction.

As part of the celebrations, a 59-foot cake was cut to mark the anniversary, followed by a friendship walk. Looking ahead, MACL has planned additional celebratory events, including a gala night for staff and a one-day handball tournament.

In line with the airport’s continued growth, the new international terminal at VIA is expected to become operational by October 2025. Once open, the terminal is projected to significantly enhance passenger handling capacity and contribute to the overall growth of the Maldives’ tourism industry.