By Sri Lanka’s FitsAir has officially begun operations from Velana International Airport’s (VIA) newly inaugurated international passenger terminal, marking another milestone in the phased opening of the state-of-the-art facility.
The airline’s inaugural arrival at the terminal was celebrated with a traditional water salute, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Passengers arriving on the historic flight were greeted with a warm Maldivian cultural welcome, while departing travelers experienced the streamlined check-in services of the new terminal.
The occasion was attended by CEO and MD of Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC), Ibrahim Shiuree, and CEO and MD of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, alongside Director of Fits Holidays, Anah Kassim, who together welcomed the passengers of FitsAir’s first flight into the new space.
FitsAir now joins BeOnd, Air Arabia, and Maldivian as the fourth airline to transition operations to the new terminal, which was officially unveiled on 26 July to commemorate the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day.
According to MACL, the opening of the 72,000-square-meter terminal is being carried out in phases over a three-month period to ensure a smooth transition in line with international best practices. Maldivian was the first airline to commence operations, with an exclusive two-week period at the facility, after which other airlines with narrow-body flights are being gradually introduced. MACL confirmed that seven additional airlines have already been designated for this phase, with the full terminal expected to be operational by the peak tourist season later this year.
The terminal represents a significant leap forward for the Maldives’ aviation and tourism industries. Designed with both efficiency and cultural identity in mind, the facility includes 12 passenger boarding bridges, 47 traditional check-in counters, 24 dedicated seaplane check-in counters, and a modern baggage handling system with real-time tracking. Enhanced immigration services, such as automated e-gates, along with 41 elevators, 14 escalators, and 4 travellators, ensure passengers enjoy a seamless journey through the airport.
Adding to its modern functionality, the terminal’s design incorporates Maldivian elements, with wall motifs inspired by the country’s natural beauty, underscoring its role as the gateway to the Maldives.