The number of flights landing at Velana International Airport (VIA) has increased by 5.8 percent.

According to statistics published by the central bank, Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), 7,613 flights landed at VIA during the first five months of the year. During the same period last year, 7,193 flights landed. This represents a 5.8 percent increase.

The statistics show that scheduled flights make up the majority of landings at VIA. In the first five months of this year, 6,961 scheduled flights landed at VIA. This is a 6.7 percent increase compared to last year.

Despite the overall increase in flights landing at VIA, the number of chartered flights and private jets has decreased. While 670 such flights landed in the first five months of last year, only 652 landed this year.

As the number of flights increases, VIA is also preparing to open its new departure terminal on the 26th of this month.