Velana International Airport

Male’s Velana International Airport (MLE) will open a new domestic terminal this year and is also planning an additional terminal dedicated to LCCs.

The carrier will also bring back seasonal flights to the Maldives.

This year’s edition of the event in Chiang Mai will see the return of the Awards ceremony dedicated to recognising excellence in route development across Asia Pacific's airlines, airports and destinations.

Frequency increases are planned on routes to Male, Sarajevo and Erbil.

The Indian Ocean may not be one of aviation’s busiest regions but these destinations' eye-catching tourist developments and proximity to rising economies in both Asia and Africa make them destinations to watch over the next few years.

While existing carriers continue to increase capacity, new and emerging markets like India and the Middle East are a growing focus for Velana International Airport.