Etihad Airways Begins Operations at VIA’s New Terminal
Etihad Airways has begun operations at Velana International Airport’s new Terminal 1 | Photo: MACL
Etihad Airways, the United Arab Emirates’ national carrier and the country’s second-largest airline, has commenced operations at Velana International Airport’s new Terminal 1. The airline becomes the 29th to offer services from the terminal.
As we continue expanding our operations at Terminal 1, a prominent airline, Etihad, has commenced its operations.
This is the 29th airline now operating in Terminal 1. pic.twitter.com/RIHYPMzUUB— Maldives Airports Company Ltd (@MACLmedia) December 5, 2025advertisement
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The inauguration ceremony for Etihad Airways at Terminal 1 was held yesterday and attended by Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu, senior airline officials, and representatives from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).
The first arrivals at the terminal included 180 passengers, who were greeted with cultural performances, while 305 passengers on the first outbound flight received gifts.
MACL confirmed that Etihad Airways, which launched flights to the Maldives on 1 November 2011, is the third airline from the UAE to move operations to Terminal 1.
