Singapore Airlines begins operations at VIA's new terminal

Singapore Airlines, one of the world's most renowned airlines, has officially begun operations at the new Terminal 1 of Velana International Airport (VIA), the main airport of the Maldives, today.

The first Singapore Airlines flight to approach Terminal 1 was an Airbus 350, according to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL). This marks the first time an Airbus 350 has been welcomed at Terminal 1.

Singapore Airlines is the 32nd airline to commence services at the new VIA terminal, which was inaugurated on July 26 this year. Singapore Airlines has been operating flights to the Maldives since March 28, 1984.

A special ceremony was held today to mark the start of Singapore Airlines' operations at VIA Terminal 1. The ceremony was graced by Ismail Rasheed, CEO and Managing Director of Dhiraagu.

Attendees included Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, Managing Director of MACL, Haaziq Sulaiman, General Manager of Singapore Airlines, and other MACL senior officials.

MACL stated that the airline's check-in counters were officially opened today. Gifts were presented to the 205 departing passengers.

The first flight to arrive at Terminal 1, SQ432, carrying 244 passengers, was welcomed with cultural activities.

The new VIA terminal project cost USD 457 million (MVR 7 billion). MACL has projected that the new terminal will increase its revenue by 7-8 percent in the first year of operation, with an anticipated increase of 15 percent in the following year.

This revenue growth is expected to be achieved by allocating more slots to airlines during peak hours and expanding the duty-free operations and other passenger service offerings.