Maldives Opens State-of-the-Art Airport Terminal

Velana International Airport (MLE) has officially opened its long-anticipated new passenger terminal, a project President Mohamed Muizzu describes as “a pillar of economic independence.” This $585 million facility, inaugurated on July 26, 2025—coinciding with the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day—marks a major milestone in the nation’s tourism sector.

The new terminal, home to national carrier Maldivian (Q2), is designed to accommodate 7.5 million passengers annually, tripling the previous capacity. This expansion is expected to fuel tourism growth, with a particular boost for flights to Maldives, making it easier for travellers from around the world to access this Indian Ocean paradise.

Year / Period	International Passengers	Flight Movements (Total)	Scheduled Flights	Charter / Private Flights	Destinations / Airlines	Key Notes
2019 (Pre-pandemic)	4.05 million	~26,000 (est.)	N/A	N/A	19 countries / ~36 airlines	Baseline year before COVID-19
2021	2.87 million	25,628	N/A	N/A	26 countries / 41 destinations / 36 airlines	71% recovery from 2019 passenger levels
2023	N/A	13,018	N/A	N/A	N/A	First full year post-pandemic rebound
2024	N/A	13,671 (+5% YoY)	12,565	1,106	N/A	Flight movement growth across both scheduled & charter
Jan–May 2024	N/A	7,193	6,523	670	N/A	Winter high season traffic
Jan–May 2025	N/A	7,613 (+5.8% YoY)	6,961 (+6.7% YoY)	652	N/A	First months after new terminal opening

 

Boost for Tourism and Maldives Economy

Tourism is the backbone of the Maldives, contributing roughly 21% of GDP. The improved infrastructure removes previous bottlenecks, enabling the country to welcome more visitors and expand popular travel options such as Maldives tour packages, Maldives honeymoon tours, and other premium holiday experiences.

The World Bank’s April 2025 report projects the facility could support an average 5.2% economic growth in the medium term, while the IMF highlights its role in sustaining tourism momentum.

Architecturally, the terminal blends modern design with Maldivian cultural motifs, featuring 47 check-in counters, six self-service kiosks, 20 immigration counters, six boarding gates, and 12 aerobridges—making it the largest building ever constructed in the Maldives after more than a decade of planning.

 

Flights from Pakistan to Maldives

The Maldives, with its pristine beaches and luxurious resorts, is a dream destination for travellers from Pakistan. Flights from Pakistan to Maldives connect major cities like Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi to Malé (MLE), the capital and main international gateway. With improved connectivity, Pakistani travellers can now enjoy convenient routes and competitive airfares, especially when booking early or through holiday packages.

Flights from Lahore to Malé

Lahore offers both direct and connecting flights to Malé, with airlines such as SriLankan Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways. Most connections have short layovers in Colombo, Doha, or Dubai, making the journey smooth and comfortable.

Flights from Islamabad to Malé

Islamabad travellers can choose from multiple one-stop flights via hubs like Doha, Dubai, or Colombo. Leading carriers, including Qatar Airways and Emirates, provide world-class service, making it ideal for honeymooners heading to Maldives resorts.

Flights from Karachi to Malé

Karachi, being a major hub, often offers the most frequent and competitive fares to Malé. Airlines like FlyDubai and SriLankan Airlines provide short, convenient connections, making Karachi a preferred departure point for Maldives-bound travellers.

From romantic getaways to luxury escapes, Pakistan-Maldives flights bring the dream of a tropical holiday within easy reach.

Funding and Political Background

The terminal’s construction was financed through loans from the Saudi Fund for Development, the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, along with allocations from the national budget.

The project had a complex political history, beginning with a 2010 agreement with Indian firm GMR, later cancelled in 2012, followed by plans linked to Chinese financing. Political disputes and delays significantly increased costs, adding to the Maldives’ foreign debt, now over $8 billion.

Rebuilding Tourist Markets

In recent years, political tensions, including the “India Out” campaign and a Boycott Maldives movement among Indian travellers in 2024, impacted visitor numbers. However, relations improved after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2025 state visit.

Tourism authorities are now targeting 300,000 Indian visitors in 2025, supported by enhanced air connectivity, promotional offers, and marketing campaigns featuring Bollywood star Katrina Kaif.

The Maldives Monetary Authority reported a 9% increase in tourist arrivals in the first half of 2025, with strong growth from China and European markets.

 

Bright Future for Maldives Travel

With the upgraded Velana International Airport terminal now operational, tourism experts expect a surge in flights to Maldives and increased demand for honeymoon tours Maldives. This is particularly important for meeting the government’s ambitious $5 billion tourism revenue target for 2025.

Whether travellers seek luxury Maldives tour packages, romantic getaways, or exclusive Maldives honeymoon tours, the expanded airport capacity ensures a smoother travel experience from arrival to departure.

The Maldives is now better equipped than ever to strengthen its status as a top-tier global holiday destination, welcoming more couples, families, and adventure seekers to its idyllic shores.

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