Velana International Airport celebrates its 54th anniversary

Velana International Airport (VIA) celebrates its 54th anniversary, today. Demonstrating social distancing and wearing masks, a flag hoisting event was held at VIA to mark the occasion this morning. The operator of VIA, Maldives Airports Company Ltd’s (MACL) Acting Managing Director(AMD) Mr. Moosa Solih, Management Team & staff participated at the event. 

Speaking at the event, AMD Mr. Moosa Solih congratulated the employees on the occasion and highlighted that last year (2019) was a successful year as air traffic movements had a 16% increase and seen a 13% increase in passenger traffic. The west apron first phase and east apron were also open for operations in 2019. However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, VIA has been hit hard with fewer flights. He further states that the 40 international flights per day had been reduced to two airplanes, and on domestic operations, around five flights fly against 50 flights per day earlier.

AMD Mr. Moosa Solih applauded the efforts taken by MACL on taking preventive steps against COVID-19 at VIA at a very early stage with guidance from Health Authorities. Acting Managing Director said that “I always believe that the most valuable asset of our company is our employees. Today, I especially applaud to all the dedicated and hardworking staff who are working at the airport during the current global crisis”.  Mr. Solih stressed that, during the current pandemic, the employees who are working on the frontline at the airport are not only doing their job for the company, but it is their service for the nation. Today’s event was concluded with a special prayer. VIA was opened by former President of the Maldives Mr. Ibrahim Nasir on April 12, 1966. 

Contact:

Mr. Hassan Areef  General Manager, Corporate Communication

Email: hassan.areef@macl.aero