Malaysia Airlines has started operating from the new international terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA), marking another step in the gradual opening of Terminal 1.

A special event was held to celebrate the airline’s first flight from the new terminal. The ceremony was attended by Island Aviation Services Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas, Malaysia Airlines Station Head in Malé Ahmad Hanam, and senior officials from Malaysia Airlines and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).

During the event, Malaysia Airlines opened its new check-in counters and gave special gifts to 170 passengers on its outbound flight. The first arrival, flight MH485, received a water salute and a warm Maldivian welcome with traditional performances.

Malaysia Airlines is the tenth airline to begin operations from Terminal 1, joining Maldivian, Air Arabia, Beyon, Fits Air, Beijing Capital Airlines, Batik Air, Bangkok Airways, IndiGo, and Gulf Air.