Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has announced that the number of passengers using Velana International Airport in the first 6 months of this year has exceeded 4 million. This is an increase compared to the same period last year. Velana International Airport is the main airport of the Maldives. The number of passengers using its services is increasing day by day. Velana International Airport is also a busy airport in the region.
According to statistics released by MACL, 4,108,845 passengers traveled through Velana International Airport in the first 6 months of this year. This is a 4% increase compared to the same period last year. Out of the 4.1 million passengers who traveled in the first 6 months, 2,669,969 passengers made international trips. And 579,079 passengers made domestic trips. MACL statistics show that 859,797 passengers traveled by seaplane.
The highest number of passengers using the airport in a single day so far this year was on January 4th. On that day, 26,658 passengers used VIA services. In addition, the highest number of passengers traveling by seaplane was on February 16th. On that day, 7,439 passengers traveled.
Air traffic movements in the first 6 months of this year have also increased by 7% compared to last year. Air traffic movements for the first 6 months of this year stood at 124,665. During this period, international flight movements were at 17,614. And domestic movements were at 14,110. Seaplane movements were at 92,941.
34,000 tons of cargo were cleared during the first 6 months of this year. This is a 6% increase compared to the same period last year, according to MACL statistics. The new passenger terminal of Velana International Airport was opened last month. The new terminal is capable of serving 7 million passengers annually.
