MACL promotes VIA cargo hub ambitions at Air Cargo China 2026

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has showcased the expanding cargo capabilities of Velana International Airport (VIA) at Air Cargo China 2026 in Shanghai, highlighting the airport’s growing role as an Indian Ocean transshipment hub.

The international event brought together airlines, freight forwarders, logistics operators and other stakeholders from the global air cargo industry, providing MACL with an opportunity to strengthen partnerships and promote VIA’s cargo services.

During the exhibition, MACL held discussions aimed at attracting additional freighter capacity and expanding cargo connectivity from Velana International Airport (MLE) to Europe, North America and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The company said MLE’s strategic location, expanding airline network and multimodal cargo services continue to support its development as a key gateway linking regional and international markets.

Cargo traffic at the airport recorded steady growth during the first half of 2026. Total cargo throughput increased by 5 percent year-on-year to 36,367 tonnes, while outbound transshipment cargo rose by 15 percent. Overall transshipment volumes reached 7,982 tonnes during the period.

Freighter operations also saw significant growth, with 2,925 tonnes of cargo handled across 358 aircraft movements, representing a 174 percent increase compared with the same period last year.

On July 12, MLE achieved its highest-ever single-day outbound transshipment volume, handling 140 tonnes of cargo.

China emerged as the airport’s second-largest inbound transshipment market during the first six months of the year, behind Sri Lanka. The United States remained the largest outbound transshipment destination, accounting for 1,618 tonnes.

MACL also highlighted the success of MLE’s Sea-to-Air transshipment service, introduced in 2024. Since its launch, the service has handled more than 5,000 tonnes of cargo through partnerships with 17 airlines. The service connects cargo originating from regional markets, including Colombo, Mumbai, Dhaka and Tuticorin, to destinations across Europe and North America via MLE.

Looking ahead to the Winter 2026/27 season, MACL expects additional airline capacity and the return of more European services, developments it says will further strengthen Velana International Airport’s cargo network and reinforce its position as a regional transshipment gateway.