Raya Airways Launches Twice-Weekly Freighter Service Between Penang and Malé

Velana International Airport (MLE) has expanded its growing freighter network with the launch of Raya Airways’ twice-weekly scheduled cargo service between Penang International Airport (PEN) and Malé, strengthening direct cargo connectivity between Malaysia and the Maldives.

The service commenced on August 14, 2026, with Raya Airways operating the flights under a charter arrangement with Teleport, a Southeast Asian logistics provider.

The new service uses Boeing 767-200 freighter aircraft, with each flight offering an average cargo payload capacity of approximately 46 tonnes.

The operation marks the first scheduled widebody freighter service at Velana International Airport, as well as MLE’s first direct scheduled freighter connection with Penang and its first regular freighter service to Malaysia.

While Velana International Airport has previously handled charter freighter operations from the region, the launch of Raya Airways’ service introduces dedicated and regular cargo capacity between Southeast Asia and the Maldives.

Approximately 80 to 90 percent of the cargo carried on the new service is expected to consist of transshipment cargo. This is expected to further strengthen MLE’s role as a connecting cargo hub and provide shippers with alternative routes to key international markets.

Raya Airways becomes the second scheduled freighter operator to join MLE’s freighter network, supporting ongoing efforts by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) to attract additional cargo operators, diversify international freight connectivity and develop Velana International Airport as a regional transshipment gateway.

The expansion comes as cargo activity at MLE continues to grow. Between January and July 2026, the airport handled 3,228 tonnes of freighter cargo across 390 freighter movements, with services connecting Malé to destinations including Bengaluru, Chennai, Yangon, Colombo, Bangkok, Dubai and Hanoi.

In 2025, MLE handled more than 4,300 tonnes of freighter cargo across 518 freighter movements, highlighting the airport’s expanding role in regional air cargo operations.

The new Penang service is expected to further enhance the Maldives’ access to Southeast Asian supply chains while creating additional capacity for transshipment cargo through Velana International Airport.