The number of private jets landing at Velana International Airport (VIA) has significantly increased this year, according to the Maldives Airports Company Ltd. (MACL). The country has seen a notable rise in private jet landings at its main airport, VIA, as the year draws to a close and the peak tourist season begins.
According to MACL, the total number of private jet movements recorded at VIA this year is 2,326 as of 28 December 2024. This marks a 10% increase compared to the same period last year, which saw 2,107 private jet movements as of 23 December 2023. The month of December alone has witnessed an 8% rise in private jet movements, according to MACL, with 148 recorded this year compared to 137 in December 2023.
The peak tourist season in the Maldives typically coincides with the European winter, attracting a high number of visitors. This influx of tourists often leads to a surge in private jet landings at VIA. The airport, operated by MACL, has 68 parking spaces designated for private jets. Due to the increased traffic, these slots have been filled, and private jets have been redirected to other airports across the country for parking, according to MACL.
This notable increase coincides with a historic milestone for the Maldives, as the nation has welcomed two million tourists for the first time in its 52-year history of tourism. The two millionth visitor arrived on 26 December, marking an unprecedented achievement for the Maldives' tourism industry.