Maldives Welcomes the 1.6 Millionth Tourist for the Year 2022. 

Velana International Airport, 20th December 2022 – Maldives Airports Company, in partnership with industry partners, celebrated the arrival of 1.6 million tourists, achieving the government's target for 2022. The target was only achieved thanks to the hard work and dedication of a multi-stakeholder team.

H.E. Fiasal Naseem, vice president of the Maldives, officiated over the ceremony held at Velena International Airport to commemorate the arrival of the 1.6 millionth tourist. The minister of tourism, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, and the senior management of MACL, MMPRC, Customs, and Immigration co-hosted the event.
Tejas Sanjay Kothari, the 1.6 millionth visitor, landed in the Maldives for his honeymoon aboard Air Vistara Flight No. UK271.  He is visiting the Maldives for the first time with his wife.

With traditional Maldivian Boduberu and cultural procession, the 1.6 millionth tourist was welcomed and escorted to the event location. A traditional Maldivian dance performance was performed for the visitor, following which he was presented with special gifts from MMPRC, MACL, Tourism Ministry, Maldives Immigration, and Maldives Customs Service. H.E Vice President Faisal Naseem presented the visitor with a traditional Maldivian Tannu, a gift package from Visit Maldives, and a free holiday voucher from LUX* South Ari Atoll.

Last year, the Maldives surpassed the 1.3 million visitor arrival target established by the government two months earlier than expected. The 1.6 million tourist arrivals this year represent a 23.1% increase over previous year. 

Maldives Airports Company is working to enhance the services and infrastructure of Velana international airport. The number of flights operating to the VIA has increased since the new Code-F runway began operation, and the operational time has been extended. 

As of November 2022, VIA had welcomed more than 1.7 million passengers and observed more than 27,000 air traffic movements, which is 10% higher than the 2019 figures.