Keep the flights coming! October 2020 Statistics of Velana International Airport Has Been Published

The esteemed tourism industry of Maldives is the lifeblood of the country’s economy. After sitting at the rock bottom for almost three months owing to the temporary travel ban to the country, the tourism industry kick started on 15^th July. However, things were not the same. The obvious decrease tourist arrivals was depressing and the problem seemed unsurmountable at that time. Fast-forwarding to October, however, our hope was restored, which remains the same now.

Since July, a total number of 37,468 tourists have arrive up until 28^th October with over 20K during October alone. The statistics are finally starting become more colorful and we no longer need to be disappointed by glancing at it. This exactly applies to the October 2020 statistics publicized by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the operator of the main airport in the country, Velana International Airport (VIA).

Looking at international air traffic to VIA, total 640 flight movements was recorded – 468 from scheduled aviation and 172 from general aviation. The pax arrival totally stood at 25,520; 25,273 from scheduled aviation and 247 in general aviation. Pax departure was numbered in 22,828; 22,469 accounting to scheduled aviation and 332 accounting to general aviation.

On the otherhand, domestic air traffic is shown as follows. Totally 508 domestic flight movements were recorded; 476 from scheduled aviation and 32 from general aviation. Pax arrival stood at a toal of 6416 – 6408 accounting to scheduled aviation and 8 for general aviation. The pax departures totaled to 6284; 6277 from scheduled aviation and 7 from general aviation.
During the month of October, VIA was also graced with 126 ad hoc flights – a record number since the border reopening.