SriLankan Airlines Begins Operations From Velana Airport’s New Terminal 1

SriLankan Airlines has commenced operations from the newly developed Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport, marking a further phase in the gradual transition of airlines to the upgraded passenger facility.

SriLankan Airlines was welcomed to Terminal 1 with a ceremonial water salute. Arriving passengers were welcomed by the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Republic of Maldives, Mohamed Rizvi Hassan; our CEO & MD, Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed; DMD Mujthaba Latheef; Exco members; and… pic.twitter.com/SVTy5b1o2K

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— Maldives Airports Company Ltd (@MACLmedia) December 17, 2025

A special ceremony was held at Terminal 1 to mark the start of the airline’s operations from the new terminal. The event was attended by the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Maldives, Mohamed Rizvi Hassen, along with SriLankan Airlines Country Manager Nayomi Thenakoon and senior officials from Maldives Airports Company Limited.

As part of the opening, SriLankan Airlines’ check-in counters at Terminal 1 were officially brought into operation. Gifts were presented to 115 departing passengers travelling on the airline, while a welcoming programme featuring cultural activities was organised for the 277 passengers arriving on flight UL101, which was the first SriLankan Airlines flight to operate from the new terminal.

SriLankan Airlines is the second Sri Lankan carrier to begin services from Terminal 1. The national carrier first launched flights to the Maldives on 1 September 1979 and has maintained a long-standing presence in the Maldivian aviation market.

With the inclusion of SriLankan Airlines, Terminal 1 is now serving a total of 33 airlines. Maldives Airports Company Limited has stated that its objective is to provide a high standard of service and modern facilities to all airlines operating to the Maldives as operations at the new terminal continue to expand.