Air Arabia has become the first foreign airline to commence operations from Terminal 1 of Velana International Airport (VIA) - a significant milestone in the facility’s phased opening.

A ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in the new terminal to inaugurate the service. The airline, which currently operates a single daily flight to the Maldives, has announced plans to increase frequency to two flights per day starting 27 October, 2025.

Terminal 1 began limited operations on Independence Day, with Air Arabia becoming the second airline overall to use the facility following the national airline, Maldivian. Discussions are ongoing with several other carriers, including Chongjin Airlines, Beond, Xiamen Air, Oman Air, Fits Aviation, US-Bangla Airlines, Bangkok Airways and Batik Air, with the aim of introducing services from more airlines to the new terminal. 

The new terminal will also be trialled for narrow-body aircraft operations over the next three months, accommodating aircrafts with 200-passenger capacity before being fully opened to additional aircrafts.

Developed with modern passenger amenities, Terminal 1 features 47 check-in counters, six self-service kiosks, 24 dedicated counters for seaplane check-ins, and 12 airbridges designed to reduce disembarkation times to eight minutes. The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) said the upgraded facilities will enhance efficiency and passenger experience.