More than 500,000 passengers have been handled by the new Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport (VIA) since its opening.

According to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Terminal 1 had served a total of 508,008 passengers as of 15 December, including 252,340 departing passengers and 255,668 arrivals.

MACL said 21 December marked the highest single-day passenger volume recorded at the terminal, with 19,551 passengers. This comprised 8,681 departing passengers and 10,870 arrivals.

Terminal 1 currently serves 37 airlines operating to and from the Maldives.

The terminal was officially opened on this year’s Independence Day by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The previous terminal, built in 1978, faced significant capacity constraints.

In contrast, MACL said the new terminal has the capacity to handle up to 7.5 million passengers annually. The company added that the upgraded infrastructure is expected to better support the tourism sector and expand opportunities for airlines operating in the Maldives.