Velana International Airport Welcomes GoAir to the Maldives

The Indian Low Cost Carrier, GoAir launched its first inaugural flight from Mumbai to Velana International Airport (VIA) on 14th October 2018. GoAir will be operating 7 times weekly flights to Maldives with their A320 aircraft. 

A warm traditional Boduberu with water salute welcomed GoAir at VIA and GoAir’s Inaugural flight was celebrated with an official function held at Maamehi Lounge at VIA.

The function was joined by the Chief Guest Chief Executive Officer of Maldives Civil Aviation Authority Mr. Hussain Jaleel, the Ambassador of India to Maldives, His Excellency Mr. Akilesh Mishra, GoAir’s Vice President International Operations, Mr. Arjun Dasgupta and the Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Ltd (MACL) Mr. Adil Moosa. Both GoAir and MACL staff attended the function along with officials from airport related institutions. 

At the function, the Managing Director of MACL Mr. Adil Moosa said that he is delighted to have GoAir as VIA’s newest partner and he is confident that the airline will add value to VIA. He also said that VIA is on the verge of transforming into a brand new airport and the establishment of the Code F runway is the first major milestone of the project. He further said that GoAir will foster travel and trade between the two countries and thanked GoAir for choosing VIA in their route expansion.

The Ambassador of India to Maldives, His Excellency Mr. Akilesh Mishra said that both countries enjoy close bilateral relations and with the operations of GoAir , it has the  potential to have people to people connection from both India and Maldives thus further strengthening tourism, culture and business ties. Chief Guest Chief Executive Officer of Maldives Civil Aviation Authority Mr. Hussain Jaleel said that new airlines coming to VIA shows that Maldives aviation industry is growing and said that the government of Maldives has made a USD billion investment to make the airport transform into a world class airport. GoAir’s Vice President International, Mr. Arjun Dasgupta said that his airline will attract more India tourists to the Maldives as the Airline will flow traffic from 3 major cities and further from India. He also said that he welcomes the Maldivian people to come and travel with GoAir. 

At the function, both GoAir and MACL exchanged corporate gifts and the function was concluded with an official photo shoot and refreshments.