Malaysia-based Raya Airways has launched scheduled cargo services to Velana International Airport (VIA), establishing a new direct freight connection between Penang and Malé.

The service began operations today and will run twice a week using Boeing 767-200 freighter aircraft.

Each flight is expected to carry an average of 46 tons of cargo, according to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).

The new route is the first scheduled cargo service connecting Malaysia and the Maldives.

The flights are being operated under a charter arrangement with Teleport, a major Southeast Asian logistics company.

MACL said the service is expected to improve the regular movement of goods between the Maldives and Southeast Asian markets while creating additional opportunities for businesses involved in international trade.

Around 80 to 90 percent of the cargo carried on the new flights is expected to consist of transshipment shipments.

The development supports VIA's plans to strengthen its position as a regional cargo and transshipment hub.

Raya Airways is the second scheduled cargo airline to begin operations at Velana International Airport, as authorities work to attract additional carriers, expand international cargo links and develop the airport as a gateway to regional and global markets.

Cargo activity at VIA has continued to grow, between January and July 2026, the airport handled 3,228 tons of cargo across 390 cargo flights, connecting the Maldives with destinations including Bengaluru, Chennai, Yangon, Colombo, Bangkok, Dubai and Hanoi.

In 2025, VIA handled more than 4,300 tons of cargo through 518 cargo flights.

The addition of the Penang service is expected to further expand the airport's cargo network and provide businesses with additional options for moving goods between the Maldives, Southeast Asia and other international markets.