Arriving at Velana International Airport feels like stepping onto a vibrant stage. Right here at Velana International Airport, the main international airport in the Maldives, history dances with modern ambition. Let’s discover its story.
Back in 1960, this was just Hulhulé Airport. A small strip of land welcomed a Royal New Zealand Air Force Bristol Freighter. Imagine that first landing. Then, in 1962, Air Ceylon marked the beginning of commercial flights.
By 1966, Hulhulé Airport officially opened after locals helped to construct a new asphalt runway. Fast forward to the 1970s. Tourism boomed and the need for an international-standard airport grew. In 1981, it was upgraded and inaugurated as Malé International Airport.
The Maldives Airports Company Limited MACL took over operations in 1994. This marked a new chapter for Velana International Airport.
The airport was renamed Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in 2011. This honored Ibrahim Nasir. He was the 2nd President of the Maldives and founder of the airport.
In 2017, another rebranding occurred. It became Velana International Airport, a nod to President Nasir’s family house name. This aligned the airport with the nation’s economic vision.
There was an expansion. A new runway finished in 2018. It stretches 3400 meters long and 60 meters wide. This accommodates larger aircraft. It became fully operational in 2022.
A new Seaplane Terminal opened in October 2022. This is the world’s largest. It can handle over 100 seaplanes and 300 daily flights. This rises to 600 during peak season.
Inside Velana International Airport, a new passenger terminal is under construction. This covers over 78000 square meters. The current terminal serves 1 million passengers a year. The new one will handle 7.3 million. It is expected to open by 2025.
The airport boasts a single asphalt runway. There are also four water runways for seaplanes. These accommodate the large seaplane operations at Velana.
Velana International Airport has three terminals. These are the International Terminal, the Domestic Terminal, and the Seaplane Terminal.
SriLankan Airlines is the largest foreign carrier. It operates over 21 flights a week. Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo is the most common stop.
In 2004, the Indian Ocean tsunami struck. Waves rushed over the runway and into the terminal. The airport shut down for about 10 hours.
Today, Velana International Airport stands as a symbol of Maldivian progress. It connects this island nation to the world. The airport continues to expand and improve. It ensures a seamless travel experience for all.