SriLankan Airlines has successfully transitioned its operations to Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport, marking a significant milestone in enhancing connectivity between Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The airline officially commenced operations from the upgraded facility on December 17, 2025.
Ceremonial Welcome Marks New Chapter
To celebrate the landmark transition, Maldives Airports Company Ltd (MACL) organized a special ceremonial welcome for passengers arriving on flight UL101 and those departing on UL102 from Terminal 1.
The event was graced by His Excellency Mohamed Rizvi Hassen, Sri Lanka High Commissioner to the Maldives, who served as Chief Guest. Senior officials from both MACL and SriLankan Airlines attended the ceremony, underscoring the importance of bilateral aviation cooperation.
Strengthening Regional Connectivity
SriLankan Airlines currently operates three daily flights to Malé through its Colombo hub, providing passengers with seamless access to the airline’s extensive global network spanning 117 destinations across 59 countries.
This robust connectivity positions SriLankan Airlines as a key facilitator of international travel to and from the Maldives, supporting both tourism and business travel between the two nations.
Enhanced Passenger Experience
The relocation to Terminal 1’s state-of-the-art facilities is expected to deliver significant benefits for travelers, including:
- Improved passenger comfort through modern amenities
- Streamlined travel processes with advanced infrastructure
- Enhanced operational efficiency benefiting both airlines and passengers
- Greater support for tourism growth to the Maldives
Boosting Bilateral Tourism Ties
The move reinforces the strong tourism and aviation partnership between Sri Lanka and the Maldives. With improved facilities and increased operational efficiency at Terminal 1, both countries are well-positioned to attract more international visitors and strengthen economic ties through enhanced air connectivity.
Industry experts view this development as a positive step toward accommodating growing passenger demand and maintaining the Maldives’ position as a premier global tourism destination.
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