There has been an increase in flight movements at Velana International Airport, following the reopening of borders in July.

Maldives’ borders were closed for nearly for months on March 27, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They were reopened on July 15, during the third phase of lockdown easing, given the negative impacts on the country’s economy due to the standstill on the tourism industry.

A total of 1,145 air traffic movements were recorded between 15 July and 31 August.

As per VIA, there were 196 international flight movements within the first 15 days after border reopening, while 191 domestic flight movements were recorded.

As for passenger arrivals within this period, there were 2,890 international arrivals and 1,954 domestic arrivals. Further, 4,106 passengers left the country during this period with 2,555 domestic departures.

432 international air movements were recorded in August, as well as 326 domestic air movements. A total of 11,186 international passenger arrivals were recorded within the month, with 14,045 people departing the country.

There were 3,282 domestic passenger arrivals at VIA during this period, with 3,438 departures.

VIA saw its busiest day following the Covid-19 pandemic, on August 28.

A total of nine flights landed at VIA that day, carrying 428 passengers, while 1,127 people left the country.

In regards to domestic operations, a total of four flights were operated to Kulhudhuffushi, Gan and Fuvahmulah.

Further, four private jets landed at VIA on August 28, while 82.7 tonne of supplies were imported and 31.9 tonne, exported.