Velana International Airport (VIA) capped off 2025 with a record breaking 8 million passengers, reflecting a robust 7% increase from the previous year, according to official data released by airport authorities.

VIA handled 5.38 million international travelers, 1.17 million domestic flight passengers, and 1.73 million seaplane passengers throughout the year. 

The steady growth highlights the continued strength of the Maldivian tourism and transport sectors.

The total aircraft traffic movements reached 249,214 in 2025, marking an 8% rise compared to 2024. 

This included 34,868 international movements, 28,348 domestic flights, and an impressive 185,998 seaplane operations.

VIA also recorded its busiest individual days of the year on 28 December 2025, when 27,381 passengers used the airport’s runway-based services, and on 16 February, when 7,439 seaplane passengers were handled in a single day.

Airport management described the figures as a testament to VIA’s expanding operational capacity and the country’s enduring appeal as a global travel destination.