Velana Airport: from 25 October, check-in for 10 airlines moves to Terminal 2
From 25 October 2026, passengers of 10 international airlines check in for departure at Terminal 2 of Velana International Airport in Malé, the former international terminal. Arrivals do not change: all international flights still land at the new Terminal 1.
What is changing
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has moved international check-in for 10 airlines to Terminal 2 from 25 October. The terminal will serve these airlines throughout the winter season.
The main point: international arrivals stay at Terminal 1. The change affects only departure check-in for 10 airlines.
| Airline | Departure check-in from 25 October |
|---|---|
| Aeroflot | Terminal 2 |
| S7 Airlines (Siberia) | Terminal 2 |
| Azur Air | Terminal 2 |
| Neos | Terminal 2 |
| US-Bangla Airlines | Terminal 2 |
| Centrum Air | Terminal 2 |
| Shirak Avia | Terminal 2 |
| Kuwait Airways | Terminal 2 |
| Gulliv Air | Terminal 2 |
| French Bee | Terminal 2 |
If your airline is not on this list, the announcement does not change your check-in. Confirm the terminal with your airline before you travel.
What it means for guests of Thoddoo
Arriving
Nothing changes. All international flights, including those of the airlines above, arrive at the new Terminal 1. Our team still meets you at the Thoddoo pier.
Departing on one of the 10 airlines
Check in at Terminal 2, not at the new international terminal. Check the terminal on your booking and with your airline before you leave Thoddoo.
Departing on another airline
The announcement does not mention any change for other airlines.
Planning your departure from Thoddoo
The speedboat from Thoddoo leaves at 07:00 every day except Friday and goes directly to the airport. The crossing takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, so you reach the airport at about 08:15.
Allow extra time for the move between terminals if you are not sure where to go, for check-in and for departure formalities, especially in the high season. If you are flying out in the evening, ask us how best to plan the day; we also help with other transfer options.
Not confirmed yet
- Whether Duty Free will be available to passengers who check in at Terminal 2.
- Where exactly these passengers will go through passport control and board their flights.
The announcement does not cover these points. We will update this page when the airport publishes details.
Terminal 2 at a glance
Terminal 2 is the former international terminal. It reopened in February after extensive refurbishment and now serves all domestic flights.
- 27 check-in counters
- New baggage belts
- Food and beverage outlets
- Prayer rooms
- A children’s play area
Why the airport is doing this
The airport is preparing for the winter season, the busiest months of the tourism year. Using both passenger terminals for international travellers should give passengers more space and more check-in counters, ease queues and make check-in smoother. The new international terminal opened on 26 July 2026 and is expected to handle up to 7.5 million passengers a year in time.
Our advice
- Before departure, check which terminal your airline uses for check-in.
- If you leave from Thoddoo, count the transfer time and all pre-flight procedures, and arrive at the airport with a good margin.
- Not sure about your flight? Message us on WhatsApp and we will help you plan.
Frequently asked questions
Do arrivals in Malé change?
No. All international flights, including those of the 10 airlines, continue to arrive at the new Terminal 1.
Which airlines check in at Terminal 2?
Aeroflot, S7 Airlines (Siberia), Azur Air, Neos, US-Bangla Airlines, Centrum Air, Shirak Avia, Kuwait Airways, Gulliv Air and French Bee.
From what date?
From 25 October 2026. Terminal 2 will serve these airlines throughout the winter season.
Will Duty Free work for passengers of Terminal 2?
This has not been confirmed yet.
What time should I leave Thoddoo?
The speedboat to the airport leaves at 07:00 every day except Friday and takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. Check the check-in time of your airline and plan with a margin; we can help.
Information is based on the announcement of the airport operator MACL. Last updated 26 October 2026.
