SriLankan Airlines Commences Flights from Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport, Maldives

SriLankan Airlines Begins Operating from Terminal 1 at Malé’s Velana International Airport

From 17 December 2025, SriLankan Airlines officially started operating its flights out of Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport, the gateway to the Maldives. This transition marks an important shift in the airline’s operations in Malé and connects seamlessly with its hub in Colombo.

A Warm Welcome and Noteworthy Ceremony

To celebrate this move, Maldives Airports Company Ltd (MACL) arranged a special ceremonial greeting for passengers landing on flight UL101 as well as those departing on UL102. The event saw the presence of key dignitaries including the Sri Lanka High Commissioner to the Maldives, diplomats, and senior officials from both MACL and SriLankan Airlines. This gathering underscored the collaborative efforts in enhancing air travel between the two nations.

Enhanced Facilities and Passenger Experience

Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport is equipped with modern, state-of-the-art facilities designed to elevate the comfort and convenience of travelers. For SriLankan Airlines passengers, this means smoother check-ins, quicker transfers, and improved overall airport experience. Such upgrades support the Maldives’ booming tourism sector by making arrivals and departures more relaxed and efficient.

Connectivity and Network: Linking Maldives to the World

SriLankan Airlines runs three daily flights to Malé via Colombo, its major hub, offering passengers access to a global network spanning 117 destinations in 59 countries. This strong connectivity not only nurtures business and leisure travel but also reinforces cultural and tourism ties between Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and beyond.

Implications for Transfer Services and Travelers

This strategic relocation to Terminal 1 impacts travelers’ ground transportation options as well. Terminal 1’s enhanced infrastructure often ties in with improved taxi and transfer services, reducing waiting times and offering easier access to transfer cars. For tourists and business passengers alike, this means a more predictable and comfortable start or end to their journey.

Choosing Your Transfer Perfectly with GetTransfer.com

When landing at a newly upgraded terminal like this, the last thing anyone wants is to worry about taxi services and transfers. Platforms like GetTransfer.com give travelers the power to select their preferred vehicle type, review detailed car information, and check driver ratings upfront — all factors that add up to a stress-free ride from the airport. Such transparency and customization are refreshing compared to traditional, less clear booking methods.

The Bigger Picture: Importance for Maldivian Tourism and Regional Connectivity

The Maldives thrives as a top tourist destination with its crystal-clear waters and luxury resorts spread across numerous islands. Smooth air and transfer links remain critical to fostering tourism growth. SriLankan Airlines’ move to Terminal 1 aligns with this priority, complementing the increasing demand for efficient airport services and facilitating swift onward journeys to island resorts.

How This Affects Ground Transportation

As major airlines upgrade their airport operations, it inevitably impacts complementary services such as city transfers, taxis, and chauffeur-driven car hires. This boost in passenger convenience often calls for a corresponding rise in dependable, cost-effective transfer options. Travelers landing at the upgraded terminal will benefit from quicker access to cabs or private cars, turning that airport-to-resort journey into a breeze.

Summary of Benefits

• State-of-the-art terminal facilities enhancing passenger comfort
• Stronger international connectivity through Colombo hub
• Improved coordination with transfer services ensuring quick pickups
• Greater convenience and predictability in travel plans for tourists and locals alike

Experience is King: Reviews vs. Personal Journeys

While positive comments and trusted reviews provide valuable insights when selecting airlines and transfer services, nothing beats firsthand experience. On GetTransfer.com, travelers can hire cars with professional drivers from verified providers offering a wide range of vehicle types and competitive prices, empowering users to make well-informed choices tailored to their exact needs without overspending or compromise.

The platform’s extensive options and transparent pricing system perfectly complement the modern airport environment, enhancing the ease of travel from the moment passengers step into Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport. Book now to enjoy smooth, affordable, and versatile transportation options for your next trip. GetTransfer.com

Looking Ahead: Impact on Tourism and Travel

Though the switch of SriLankan Airlines operations to Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport might not single-handedly reshape the global travel landscape, it is significant for the Maldives and its visitors. Enhanced airport facilities paired with reliable ground transport options pave the way for continued tourism growth and connectivity improvements in the region.

At GetTransfer, keeping pace with such developments supports travelers worldwide by offering convenient, transparent, and customized transfer solutions, ensuring that every journey—whether business or leisure—gets off to the best possible start. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with GetTransfer.

Pensieri finali

The move by SriLankan Airlines to Terminal 1 at Malé’s Velana International Airport is a welcomed change that promises improved travel experiences through better facilities and connectivity. For the vibrant tourism industry of the Maldives and its growing number of visitors, this shift offers smoother transit options, complemented perfectly by transfer services that prioritize comfort, transparency, and convenience.

Whether arriving or departing, choosing reliable taxi or private transfer services is essential. Platforms like GetTransfer.com offer exactly that — a tailored and user-friendly booking experience with a clear view of fares, vehicle types, and driver credentials, helping travelers navigate airport transfers and ground travel with confidence and ease. After all, getting from the airport to the city or resort is just as important as the flight itself for a truly comfortable journey.