MACL Welcomes One Millionth Tourist of 2026 at VIA
MACL welcoming the one millionth tourist to the Maldives in 2026, on June 20 | Photo: MACL
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) celebrated the arrival of the one millionth tourist at Velana International Airport (VIA) yesterday. The visitor, a Spanish national, arrived in the Maldives on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha and received a special welcome during a ceremony held at the airport.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen, senior officials from the ministry, Chief Commercial Officer of MACL Mohamed Mihad, Chief Emergency Service Officer Abdulla Waheed, Controller General of Immigration (Retd) Ahmed Faseeh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Visit Maldives Ibrahim Shiuree, board members of Visit Maldives, tourism stakeholders and airline representatives.
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As part of the celebrations, the tourist received commemorative gifts and tokens of appreciation from MACL and tourism industry partners. MACL said the event reflected the collaboration between the country’s aviation and tourism sectors and highlighted the hospitality offered to visitors arriving in the Maldives.
The national milestone was reached later than last year, when the Maldives welcomed its one millionth tourist on 7 June, the earliest date on record. However, this year’s achievement came ahead of previous years, with the country reaching the milestone on 29 June in 2024 and 16 July in 2023.
MACL said Velana International Airport continues to play a key role in supporting tourism growth as the Maldives’ main international gateway. The company added that it remains focused on improving airport operations, enhancing passenger experience and supporting the continued development of the country’s aviation and tourism industries.
The company also thanked the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Visit Maldives, airline partners, Maldives Immigration, Maldives Customs Service, Aviation Security Command, ground handlers, resort operators and other airport stakeholders for their contributions towards reaching the milestone.
