Velana International Airport Recovery Shows Promising Figures in 2021

The number of international passengers handled by VIA last year was 2.87 million, whereas the number of passengers handled in 2019 was 4.05 million. It is an astonishing 71% recovery. According to industry experts, this is the highest international recovery rate in Asia Pacific Region.

At least 93% of VIA's air traffic movements (ATMs) were recovered last year. A total of 25,628 international ATMs were recorded. In 2020, VIA served 26 countries and 41 destinations, compared to 19 countries in 2019. This is an increase of 37% over the number of countries served by VIA in 2019, as well as a 95% recovery on the destinations compared to 2019. Also, a total of 36 airlines have operated to VIA, which is a 100% recovery from pre-covid figures. These achievements lead to recognition of Velana International Airport as the 4th largest international airport in the Asia Pacific in terms of passenger handling.

Considering Maldives' reliance on imported goods, recovery in air cargo at VIA is promising as well. Compared to the previous year, 2021 data reveals that overall imports have recovered by 54%, with a total of 29,645MTs of goods.

Maldives is recognized as one of the fastest recovering economies since the pandemic due to remarkable efforts made to re-establish the tourism industry. As a result of a multi-stakeholder effort to recover and promote the country as a safe destination, Maldives earned the World's leading destination award in 2020 and 2021.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Velana International Airport (VIA) continued to maintain high standards, assuring passenger and staff safety. As a result, in September 2020 VIA was the 2nd airport from the Asia Pacific to be awarded the ACI Health Accreditation certificate, and on February 2021 VIA received the ACI voice of the customer recognition award.