VELANA AWARDS HIGHLIGHT AIRLINE PARTNERS DRIVING CARGO GROWTH IN THE MALDIVES


Velana International Airport brought together key cargo industry partners on 12 February for the inaugural Velana Awards, celebrating a year of milestones at MLE and recognising the airlines whose performance and collaboration continue to strengthen the Maldives’ growing role in regional air cargo connectivity.


While the Maldives is globally known as a tourism destination, Velana International Airport is steadily emerging as a key logistics gateway in the Indian Ocean, linking Asian supply chains with global markets through expanding airline networks, growing cargo capacity, and enhanced operational efficiencies.


Cargo Growth and Expanding Transshipment Volumes Velana has recorded notable growth in cargo movement in recent years. In 2025, the airport handled a 10 percent increase in total cargo volumes, alongside an 18 percent growth in transshipment cargo.


This momentum has been driven by enhanced operational efficiency, strong partnerships with airlines, freight forwarders, and agents, and Velana’s strategic access to key commercial and manufacturing hubs across regional and global markets.


Developing Sea-to-Air Transshipment


One of the most important developments in Velana’s cargo strategy has been the introduction of sea-to-air transshipment.


Supported by an efficient logistics chain, cargo arriving by sea can be transferred to air uplift within an average of 12 hours after containers reach Maldivian ports. Velana processed 3,202 tonnes of sea-to-air cargo in 2025 alone, following the successful handling of its first sea-to-air transshipment shipment on 15 May 2024.


This capability allows Velana to act as a bridge between maritime freight routes and international air cargo networks, strengthening its role in regional logistics.


Dedicated Freighter Operations Strengthen Capacity The airport’s cargo network has also been strengthened by dedicated freighter operations. On 11 January 2026, Velana marked the first anniversary of its scheduled freighter service, introduced by AFCOM Holdings Ltd.


The introduction of scheduled freighter operations has expanded the airport’s cargo handling capacity and created new opportunities for freight movement through the Maldives.


With growing transshipment volumes, dedicated freighter capacity, and expanding airline connectivity, Velana is steadily positioning itself as an emerging cargo and logistics hub in the Indian Ocean region, strengthening the Maldives’ role in regional and global supply chains.


Recognising Airlines Supporting Cargo Growth The Velana Awards were introduced to celebrate the achievements of airline partners whose operations and network connectivity have contributed to the continued growth of cargo at Velana International Airport.


Among the cargo category winners: • AFCOM Holdings Ltd – Top Airline by Air-to-Air Import • Qatar Airways – Top Airline by Air-to-Air Export and Top Airline by Sea-to-Air Export • Emirates – Top Airline by Cargo Throughput


These awards recognize the airlines that have played a significant role in supporting cargo connectivity and operational growth at Velana International Airport.


Freighter of the Year


The Freighter of the Year award was presented to AFCOM Holdings Ltd, recognising the operator that achieved the highest freighter cargo throughput at Velana International Airport.


Strengthening Velana’s Position as a Regional Cargo Hub As Velana International Airport continues to expand its cargo capabilities and strengthen its global network, the Velana Awards highlight the importance of collaboration between airports and airline partners in driving cargo growth.


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