Cambodia Joins Velana International Airport’s Growing Sea-to-Air Cargo Network

Velana International Airport (VIA) has expanded its strategic sea-to-air cargo network, officially adding Cambodia as the fourth country to utilize the specialized transshipment service. This expansion follows the successful integration of India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh into the network. Under this logistics model, goods are transported from Cambodia to the Maldives via sea freight before being transferred to aircraft for delivery to various destinations across Europe. This multimodal approach leverages the Maldives' geographical position to bridge the gap between Asian manufacturing hubs and European markets. Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) confirmed that the inaugural cargo shipment from Cambodia has already been successfully processed and flown to its destination. The operation was managed by CEF Logistics and transported by Qatar Airways, demonstrating the seamless coordination between local handlers and international carriers. The service is a joint venture between MACL and Maldives Ports Limited (MPL). The efficiency of the operation is reflected in recent data, with the sea-to-air service handling 335 tonnes of cargo in the last month alone. According to MACL, the growth of this network underscores the Maldives' emerging role as a critical logistics hub linking Asia and Europe. By utilizing the country's strong international airline connectivity, the government aims to capitalize on a business model used by major global logistics centers to drive economic growth. This development marks a significant step in diversifying the Maldivian economy beyond tourism, utilizing the infrastructure of the nation's primary airport and port to facilitate global trade and generate new revenue streams.