Velana International Airport Sets New Record with 2,000 Tonnes of Monthly Cargo

Velana International Airport (VIA) has achieved a historic milestone, recording its highest-ever monthly transshipment cargo volume in July. According to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the airport handled more than 2,000 tonnes of cargo, surpassing all previous monthly records. This surge marks a significant expansion in both sea-to-air and air-to-air operations. A key driver of this growth was the sea-to-air service, which processed 621 tonnes in July alone. This figure represents the highest monthly volume recorded since the service was first launched, signaling a shift in how goods move through the archipelago. MACL noted that these results underscore the airport's evolving role as a strategic regional logistics hub. By efficiently connecting markets across Asia and Europe, VIA is transitioning from a primary tourist gateway into a critical node for international trade and logistics. The record-breaking month also highlights the successful development of the airport’s cargo handling infrastructure. As the Maldives continues to enhance its international logistics services, the ability to manage larger volumes of transshipment cargo is expected to attract more global shipping and aviation partners, further diversifying the nation's economic activity beyond the tourism sector.