Velana International Airport (VIA) has handled the first sea-to-air transshipment from Cambodia to France.

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), which operates VIA, said the shipment marks the expansion of the airport's sea-to-air cargo services into Southeast Asian markets.

The cargo was transported by sea from Cambodia to Maldives before being flown to Lille, France, demonstrating VIA's growing role in facilitating cargo movement between Asia and Europe.

MACL said sea-to-air transshipment services through VIA have previously been used mainly for cargo originating from Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka.

According to the company, the successful handling of cargo from Cambodia shows that the Maldives' logistics and cargo services are expanding into new markets.

Sea-to-air transshipment combines sea and air freight, offering a more cost-effective alternative to air freight while significantly reducing delivery times compared with shipping by sea alone. It is commonly used for time-sensitive cargo that does not require full air freight services.

MACL said the shipment further strengthens Velana International Airport's position as a key logistics hub in the Indian Ocean, linking Asia, Europe and other international markets.