Azerbaijan Airlines has officially commenced operations from Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport (VIA), becoming the 16th airline to operate from the newly developed terminal.

The airline’s inaugural flight was welcomed with a ceremonial water salute and a special reception attended by senior officials from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), representatives of Azerbaijan Airlines, and other industry stakeholders. The event celebrated another significant step in enhancing VIA’s connectivity and international profile.

Azerbaijan Airlines, the national carrier of Azerbaijan, operates flights to major destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Its entry into the Maldivian market is expected to strengthen travel links between the Maldives and the Caucasus region, providing greater convenience for tourists and business travellers alike.

Terminal 1, developed as part of the airport’s major expansion project, began phased operations earlier this year to accommodate the growing number of international airlines flying to the Maldives. The state-of-the-art facility features modern passenger handling systems, expanded check-in areas, advanced baggage processing, and enhanced comfort amenities — all designed to elevate the overall passenger experience.