The new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport commenced operations today with a Maldivian Airbus A330 flight from Kochi, following its inauguration last night. All Maldivian flights have now shifted to the terminal, with international carriers to be integrated in phases over the coming months. Designed for efficiency, the facility can handle 7.5 million passengers annually and promises services up to 30 per cent faster than the old terminal.