Maldives' main airport slowly turns the corner back to business as usual

Velana International Airport is slowly recording more and more flight movements after being opened on July 15, following the COVID-19 lockdown. 

The airport recorded 1,145 air traffic movements by the end of August, according to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).

Statistics published by the company show that since being reopened, the airport recorded just a meager 196 international air traffic movements by the end of July. During the same period, 1,991 domestic air traffic movements were also recorded. 

During the month of August, the airport recorded 432 international traffic movements as well as 326 domestic movements. 

Since the country reopened its borders, 2,890 international arrivals were observed in July addition to 1,954 domestic arrivals. However, a substantial increase in the figure was observed during the month of August which saw 11,186 international arrivals as well as 3,282 domestic arrivals. 

During the period from July 15 till 30, the airport saw 4,106 international departures as well as 2,555 domestic departures. During the month of August, the airport recorded 14,045 international departures as well as 3,438 domestic departures. 

A number of well-known airlines have begun operations to the Maldives since the country reopened. They include Qatar Airways, SriLankan Airways, Etihad Airways as well as Emirates and Turkish Airlines.