MACL Promotes VIA as Regional Cargo Hub at Air Cargo China 2026
MACL promotes VIA cargo hub at Shanghai exhibition | Photo: MACL
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has participated in the Air Cargo China 2026 exhibition in Shanghai to promote Velana International Airport (VIA) as a regional and international air cargo transshipment hub.
During the exhibition, MACL held meetings with airlines, cargo operators and logistics companies to strengthen partnerships with Asian markets, encourage additional freighter services and expand cargo connections to Europe, North America and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region.
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MACL said VIA’s strategic location, expanding airline network and multimodal cargo services have strengthened its role as a regional and international cargo transshipment hub.
The airport handled 36,367 tonnes of cargo during the first six months of the year, representing a five per cent increase compared with the same period last year. Transshipment cargo rose by 15 per cent to 7,982 tonnes over the same period.
Freighter operations also recorded significant growth, with 358 cargo flights transporting 2,925 tonnes of freight, a 174 per cent increase compared with the previous year. On 12 July, VIA recorded its highest single-day transshipment volume, handling 140 tonnes of cargo.
China was the second-largest source of transshipment cargo during the first half of the year, while Sri Lanka remained the largest. The United States was the leading destination for cargo routed through the Maldives, receiving approximately 1,618 tonnes.
MACL also highlighted its Sea-to-Air service, launched in 2024, which has transported more than 5,000 tonnes of cargo through 17 airlines. The service connects regional ports, including Colombo, Mumbai, Dhaka and Tuticorin, with destinations in Europe and North America.
The company said it expects airlines to increase cargo capacity and introduce new routes, including services to the United Kingdom, during the 2026–2027 winter season as part of its efforts to further establish VIA as a recognised regional cargo transshipment hub.
