Velana International Airport Recovery Shows Promising Figures In 2021

Despite the devastating effects of the pandemic in 2020, the aviation sector continues to recover. Efforts are being made by industry, show an optimistic growth in 2021. This has been very much resembled at Velana International Airport (VIA), Your gateway to the Sunny Maldives. 

The number of international passengers handled by VIA in 2021 was 2.87 million. By comparison, there were a total of 4.05 million passengers handled in 2019. It is an astonishing 71% recovery. According to reputable sources, this is the highest international recovery rate in Asia Pacific Region.

Last year VIA has recovered at least 93% of its Air Traffic movements (ATMs) compared to 2019. A total of 25,628 International ATMs has been recorded last year. From 19 countries in 2019 VIA has managed to cater 26 countries and 41 destination last year. This is an increase of 37% over the number of countries served by VIA in 2019. As well as a 95% recovery on the destination compared to 2019. Also, a total of 36 airlines have operated to VIA, which is a 100% recovery from 2019 figures. These achievements lead to recognition of Velana International Airport as the 4th largest international airport in the Asia Pacific in terms of passenger handling. 

Considering Maldives' reliance on imported goods, VIA has Shown promising recovery in air cargo as well. Compared to the previous year, 2021 data reveals that overall imports have recovered by 54% with a total of 29,645 Metric Tons of goods.

The Maldives is recognized as one of the fastest-recovering economy since the epidemic because of the efforts it has taken to re-establish its tourist industry. Maldives has earned the World's leading destination award in 2020 and 2021 as a result of a multi-stakeholder effort to recover and advertise Maldives as a safe destination.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Velana International Airport (VIA) has kept its high standards assuring passenger and staff safety. As a result, in September 2020 VIA was awarded the ACI Health Accreditation certificate as the 2nd airport from the Asia Pacific and on February 2021 VIA has received the ACI voice of the customer recognition award.