The newly inaugurated international passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) received its first Maldivian Airlines flight on Sunday, marked by a grand water salute.

The A330 aircraft from Cochin landed with around 100 passengers, ushering in a new chapter for the airport’s development.

The inaugural flight, operated by Maldivian, was staffed by crew in traditional attire and received a warm welcome from senior government and airport officials, including the Ministers of Transport, Finance, and Tourism, as well as executives from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).

For the initial two weeks, only Maldivian’s international passengers will use the terminal.

Based on this phase, operations will expand to nine designated airlines operating narrow-body aircraft. Full operations are expected to begin in time for the peak tourism season.

MACL, in consultation with Modalis Infrastructure Partners, aims to ensure global standards in safety and service.

The 72,000-square-meter terminal is designed to handle 7.5 million passengers annually and features 12 boarding bridges, advanced baggage handling with real-time tracking, dedicated check-in areas, e-gates, and a design inspired by the Maldives' natural beauty.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu officially inaugurated the terminal Saturday night in a ceremony featuring cultural performances, a drone show, and a fireworks display.

On Sunday, he announced that the call for prayer will be broadcast throughout the terminal, starting from Asr prayers.