Velana International Airport (VIA) is the main international airport in the Maldives. The airport is located in the North Malé Atoll on Hulhulé Island, close to the capital island Malé. Velana Airport (VIA) is the primary gateway into the Maldives for tourists and maintains strong connections with major airports all around the globe. The airport is administratively and financially managed by a corporation known as Maldives Airports Company Limited or (MACL) for short.

In recent years, The Maldives has become a popular tourist hotspot and a trendy vacation destination for travelers around the world. This is largely in part due to the Maldives’ fantastic weather, crystal waters, breathtaking sights, its world-class airport, and the luxurious Maamahi Executive Airport Lounge.

A Brief History of Velana International Airport

The airport started out as a small strip of land on Hulhulé Island. It was called Hulhulé Airport and it opened on the 19^th of October in 1960. The first runway build on Hulhulé Island was made 75ft x 3,000ft and was made almost entirely of slotted steel sheets. The first commercial flight out of the airport was an Air Ceylon flight, and the first aircraft owned by the Maldives landed on the runway on the 9^th of October in 1974. Furthermore, the Maldives government and the Dhivehi people joined hands to construct a new asphalt runway in May of 1964. The four districts of Malé competed for a prize of 1,000 Maldivian rufiyaa which would be awarded to the fastest district. 108 volunteers were enlisted for the project and over 1,500 Maldivian rufiyaa was donated on just the first day and the new runway was operational on the 12^th of April in 1966.

In short, when the Maldives tourism boom began in 1972, the country found itself in dire need of an international standard airport to transport international tourists to the resort islands, so the airport was officially inaugurated under the new name of “Malé International Airport”.

Velana International Airport’s CIP Terminal Lounge

Velana Airport’s CIP terminal lounge is a luxurious facility where you can relax and rest on arrival or departure from the Maldives. The Maamahi Executive Lounge has been developed to stand out and meet modern standards. Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the operator of Velana International airport also operates The Maamahi Executive Lounge

The Maamahi Executive Lounge

Al Maamahi Executive Lounge offers a Maldives-inspired luxury experience. Visitors to this lounge can appreciate its huge area and top-notch amenities. Also, the lounge is peaceful and welcoming, making it a great spot to unwind before your trip. Al Maamahi Lounge exemplifies Maldivian hospitality. It’s for those who want luxury and want to remember their entire journey. The Maldives-inspired decor, décor, and resort-like atmosphere of the Maamahi Lounge are stunning. Guests can enjoy local and foreign cuisine and drinks. In brief, this lounge offers high-speed Wi-Fi, private smoking or prayer rooms, showers, entertainment, and more. The Maamahi Executive Lounge lets you travel through Velana Airport in luxury.

CIP Arrival Services

Receive CIP services when arriving at Velana Airport. A personal greeter will hold a personalized card with your name on it and will meet you the second you disembark from the plane. CIP arrival services also include:

• An escort to The Maamahi Executive Lounge in a dedicated vehicle
• An escort to your designated airport transportation option
• Passport assistance for immigration clearance
• Baggage clearance
• Baggage delivery
• Baggage storage
• Unlimited foods and beverages
• Free high-speed Wi-Fi

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CIP Departure Services

Receive CIP services when departing from Velana Airport. You will be escorted from the jetty to The Maamahi Executive Lounge while you wait for your flight. CIP departure services also include:

• Baggage check-in
• Baggage storage
• Handling of check-in formalities
• Passport assistance for immigration clearance
• An escort to The Maamahi Executive Lounge in a dedicated vehicle
• Emergency first aid services
• Aircraft security upon request
• Unlimited foods and beverages
• Free high-speed Wi-Fi