Velana International Airport Targets Global Hub Status Following Cargo Growth Surge

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) is positioning Velana International Airport (VIA) as a premier air cargo transshipment hub for the Asian and global markets. The company recently showcased its strategic growth and infrastructure capabilities at the Air Cargo China 2026 exhibition in Shanghai, engaging with airlines, logistics providers, and cargo operators to expand connectivity. During the event, MACL focused on strengthening links within Asia while exploring expanded cargo routes to Europe, North America, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region. The company's goal is to leverage the Maldives' strategic geographical position to attract more freighter flights and increase overall capacity. Recent data underscores a significant upward trend in cargo activity. In the first six months of the year, VIA handled 36,367 tonnes of cargo, marking a 5 percent increase over the same period last year. Transshipment cargo grew by 15 percent to reach 7,982 tonnes, while freighter operations saw an explosive 174 percent increase, with 358 flights transporting 2,925 tonnes of cargo. A notable peak occurred on July 12, when the airport set a single-day record by handling 140 tonnes of transshipment cargo. China has emerged as the second-largest source of transshipment cargo to the Maldives, following Sri Lanka. Interestingly, the United States remains the primary destination for cargo routed through the Maldives, accounting for approximately 1,618 tonnes. Central to this growth is the 'Sea-to-Air' service launched in 2024. This multimodal logistics solution has already transported over 5,000 tonnes of cargo via 17 airlines, connecting regional ports—including Colombo, Mumbai, Dhaka, and Tuticorin—to destinations in Europe and North America. Looking ahead, MACL anticipates a further increase in capacity and the introduction of new routes, including connections to the United Kingdom, during the 2026 and 2027 winter seasons. By diversifying its partnerships and enhancing its multimodal services, MACL aims to solidify VIA's reputation as a recognized regional cargo transshipment powerhouse.