Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) on Saturday marked 50 years since India’s national airline, Air India, began operations to the Maldives.

Air India commenced flights to the Maldives on 21 February 1976, becoming the first Indian airline to operate services to the country.

To commemorate the golden jubilee, a special ceremony was held at Velana International Airport following the arrival of an Air India flight. The aircraft was received with a ceremonial water salute, while passengers on board were accorded a warm welcome. A total of 139 travellers received commemorative gifts from MACL to mark the occasion.

In a message shared with the media, MACL said the commemorative activities were organised to symbolise the close ties between India and the Maldives and to recognise Air India’s longstanding contribution to the development of the country’s aviation sector.

Over the past five decades, the Maldives’ aviation industry has expanded significantly, with a growing number of international airlines now operating to the destination.