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Maldives welcomes new terminal: BA and Virgin start moving!
Find out everything about the new flight connections to Phuket and the terminal change in the Maldives from October 2025.
Maldives welcomes new terminal: BA and Virgin start moving!
When it comes to life in the Maldives, Velana International Airport is the hub for many travelers. Starting next Friday, October 24, 2025, the airport will offer an even better travel experience with its new Terminal 1. How turningleftforless.com reports, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic announced their move to the new terminal, which opened on July 26, 2025. Virgin Atlantic will also be moving on Saturday October 25th.
The new terminal, which has finally been completed after years of waiting and delays, has reached a whole new dimension. In addition to an area of 78,000 m², it offers space for over 7 million passengers annually, which is a real gain for the rapidly increasing number of passengers. So far, the airport has simply been unable to cope with its old facility. cntravellerme.com notes that the old airport structure, designed to handle one million passengers per year, was not up to the challenges of recent years. After all, the number of visitors has increased to over 4 million!
Unique facilities and a better travel experience
In the new terminal, travelers can now choose from 47 check-in counters and modern self-service kiosks. And that's not all: the terminal also offers a spacious baggage drop area and a modern baggage handling system. Over 40 departure gates and a spacious departure hall with numerous dining options and a large duty-free area make traveling more pleasant. The focus is also on an easier boarding process via jet bridges and more passport checkpoints.
An added bonus for British Airways passengers is the Koveli Lounge, which can accommodate up to 270 people. To reach check-in, travelers can use a covered walkway from Terminal 2. Please note that mobile boarding passes are not accepted upon entry into Terminal 1 and physical boarding passes are required.
The future of travel
The Maldivian government has big plans. Next year the number of tourists will increase to 2.2 million themaldivesjournal.com reported. This comes as part of an ambitious state budget aimed at attracting 14.2 million tourist overnight stays. The new terminal is therefore seen as a transformative addition to the Maldives' tourism infrastructure and is expected to help achieve and exceed its ambitious goals.
In addition, Air France will offer a new non-stop service from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Phuket from November 27, 2025, three times a week. This is another important step in increasing international connections for the Maldives. These developments also promote hope for sustainable growth in the travel industry. As the Maldives tourism landscape continues to evolve, Velana International Airport remains key to the future of travel in this tropical dream destination.