Private jet arrivals to VIA in November increase by 142 percent

A 142 percent increase in jet movements has been observed in November at Velana International Airport (VIA) when compared with November last year. 

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) said that in November 2019, 101 jet movements were recorded at VIA, while in November 2020, 244 jet movements were recorded. 

October 2019, saw 100 jet movements while October 2020 saw 173 jet movements. This is a total increase of 73 percent.

MACL also said that the number of jets recorded in December has also increased. Regarding complaints about flight diversions due to a shortage of space at VIA, MACL said that some scheduled flights were arriving earlier than expected. MACL said that due to some flights arriving before an hour, flights were emptied of passengers due to no space to park and diverted to other airports for parking. 

MACL said that that the west apron, in front of the current international terminal was being developed speedily for aircraft parking. 

Winter is the peak season for tourist arrivals and regularly sees an increase in private jets. Private jets are also observed at other airports such as Addu, Kooddoo, Kudahuvadhoo, and Maafaru Airports.