Emirates Moves Maldives Operations to Newly Opened Terminal 1
Tourists from Emirates Airlines welcomed by traditional celebrations at MACL on December 21, 2025 | Photo: MACL
Emirates Airlines has launched operations from the newly developed Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport yesterday.
A special ceremony was held at Terminal 1 to mark the start of operations, attended by Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim, Emirates Airlines Country Manager for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Jaber Mohamed, and senior officials from Emirates Airlines and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).
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As part of the launch, Emirates Airlines’ check-in counters at Terminal 1 were officially opened. Gifts were presented to 310 departing passengers travelling on the airline, while a welcome programme featuring cultural performances was organised for the 298 passengers arriving on flight EK660, the first Emirates flight to operate from the new terminal.
Emirates has moved its operations to Terminal 1 of Velana International Airport. A ceremonial water salute marked the arrival of the first Emirates flight. As the largest international airline in the world, Emirates offers extensive global connectivity. Arriving passengers were… pic.twitter.com/pBU63GW4Dh— Maldives Airports Company Ltd (@MACLmedia) December 21, 2025
Emirates Airlines is the fourth Middle Eastern carrier to begin services from Terminal 1. The airline first launched flights to the Maldives in May 1987 and has maintained a long-standing presence in the Maldivian aviation market.
With the addition of Emirates Airlines, Terminal 1 now serves 36 airlines. MACL said the expansion of operations at the new terminal aims to provide modern facilities and a high standard of service for airlines operating to the Maldives.
