Air Arabia, the United Arab Emirates’ budget carrier, became the first international airline to operate from Velana International Airport’s (VIA) new international passenger terminal. 

The new terminal, officially opened on Maldives’ Independence Day, 26 July, was initially reserved for the national airline, Maldivian’s international flights.

The milestone was marked with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting for the inaugural flight from Terminal 1.

Passengers on Air Arabia’s first departure from the terminal experienced a streamlined check-in process, according to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).

Air Arabia currently operates one flight a week between Sharjah International Airport and VIA using Airbus A320 aircraft. 

The airline, which launched Maldives flights on October 27 last year, has announced plans to increase services during the upcoming tourist season, adding two weekly flights from October 27 this year.

The terminal will be brought into full operation over three months. 

Operations will transition in phases, starting with Maldivian flights for two weeks, followed by narrow-body flights from seven designated airlines. 

The terminal is expected to be fully operational by the start of the tourist season.

Key features include 12 passenger boarding bridges, 47 standard and 24 seaplane check-in counters, an advanced baggage handling system with real-time tracking, enhanced immigration with e-gates, and extensive vertical transport infrastructure.