Velana International Airport (VIA) and the Maamahi Executive Lounge have received nominations in two categories at the 2026 World Travel Awards, putting two of the Maldives' key aviation facilities in contention for major regional tourism honors.

VIA has been nominated for Indian Ocean's Leading Airport 2026, a category in which the Maldives' main international gateway has previously claimed the title 12 times.

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), which operates the airport, said the latest nomination reflects VIA's continued prominence as a major aviation hub in the Indian Ocean.

The Maamahi Executive Lounge has also been shortlisted, receiving a nomination for Indian Ocean's Leading Airport Lounge 2026.

The nomination recognizes the facility's focus on passenger comfort and service standards.

The World Travel Awards, established in 1993, are among the best-known international honors in the travel and tourism industry, with winners selected through a voting process.

MACL said the two nominations reflect ongoing efforts to improve airport facilities and passenger services while strengthening VIA's role as the primary international gateway to the Maldives.

Voting is currently open through the World Travel Awards website.

Indian Ocean's Leading Airport 2026:Vote for Velana International Airport
Indian Ocean's Leading Airport Lounge 2026: Vote for Maamahi Executive Lounge