MACL Completes Umrah Operation, Facilitates 5,500+ Pilgrims

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has successfully concluded a special operation at Velana International Airport (VIA) to facilitate the departure of Umrah pilgrims travelling from the Maldives during July, with more than 5,565 pilgrims departing through the airport.

The final group of pilgrims departed on Thursday, bringing the month-long operation to a close.

According to MACL, the operation was carried out by its Passenger Services, Terminal Services and Estate Security Services teams in collaboration with relevant airport stakeholders to ensure a smooth and efficient travel experience.

For groups of more than 100 pilgrims, MACL introduced pre-check-in services a day before departure, allowing baggage acceptance, check-in and boarding pass issuance to be completed in advance. The company also coordinated with Maldives Immigration to facilitate advance passport clearance.

On departure days, pilgrims were provided with dedicated terminal entrances, immigration counters, security screening lanes and X-ray machines to reduce processing times and minimise congestion.

MACL said additional traffic management measures were also implemented across the airport’s landside area to regulate vehicle movements, taxi queues and access routes while ensuring normal airport operations continued without major disruption.

The company expressed appreciation to Maldives Immigration, participating airlines, travel agencies, Umrah groups, airport stakeholders and all institutions and individuals whose cooperation contributed to the successful completion of the operation.

Velana International Airport serves as the Maldives’ main international gateway, handling the country’s growing passenger traffic. The airport regularly implements special operational arrangements during peak travel periods, including Hajj and Umrah seasons, to improve passenger processing and maintain operational efficiency.