Sri Lanka Airlines moves operations to Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport

The bond between Sri Lanka and the Maldives in the aviation sector spans over six decades. On 10 April 1962, for the first time, an Air Ceylon Douglas DC-3 Dakota bearing civil aircraft registration number 4R-ACF departed from Ratmalana International Airport, Colombo, carrying civilian passengers. This historic flight became the first civil aircraft to land on the runway at Hulhulé Airport, heralding greater connectivity and bringing new heights of expectation and prosperity to both Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Sri Lanka’s national carrier—Air Ceylon, later Air Lanka, and now SriLankan Airlines—has continued its strong operations between Malé and Colombo, strengthening connectivity day by day, not only for the people of Sri Lanka and the Maldives but also for communities across all parts of the world.

Today (17/12/2025), once again heralding a new era, SriLankan Airlines moved its operations to the new Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport, Malé—the gateway to the Maldives. It was a great honour for the High Commissioner to serve as the Chief Guest at this momentous occasion of celebrations.

Congratulations to SriLankan Airlines and Maldives Airports Company Limited.