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 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.

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.

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”.

The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) was formed on the 1^st of January in 1994 in order to operate and manage the Malé International Airport both administratively and financially. In 2011, the airport was officially renamed as the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in memory of its founder and the 2^nd president of the Maldives. Malé International Airport was recently rebranded as Velana International Airport in 2017 referring to President Ibrahim Nasir’s family house name.

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 is designed to deliver a luxurious experience encapsulating the spirit and style of the Maldives. Guests of this lounge can enjoy the large space and various first-class amenities. The lounge oozes harmony and warmth making it a perfect place to relax and rest up before continuing your journey. Al Maamahi Lounge is a shining example of Maldivian tenor and hospitality. It is a place for people who enjoy the finer things in life and want to look back fondly on every part of their journey. The Maamahi Lounge brilliantly portrays the Maldives in its design, décor, and resort-like ambience. Guests can indulge in a variety of foods and beverages ranging from local delicacies to international specials. Visitors of this lounge can enjoy high speed Wi-Fi, private rooms for smoking or prayer, shower facilities, many entertainment options and so much more. The Maamahi Executive Lounge allows you to Immerse yourself in luxury as you journey through Velana Airport. Book The Maamahi Executive Lounge access when traveling to/from Maldives.

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 transportation option
• Passport assistance for immigration clearance
• Baggage clearance
• Baggage delivery
• Baggage storage
• Unlimited foods and beverages
• Free high-speed Wi-Fi

Book your CIP arrival services with airssist today!

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

Book your CIP departure services with airssist today!