Austria's national airline, Austrian Airlines has begun their operations from the new passenger terminal (Terminal 1) at Velana International Airport (VIA).

A special ceremony was held at the terminal yesterday to mark the commencement of services for Austrian Airlines from Terminal 1. The ceremony was honored by Fathimath Ramiza, Director of Air Navigation and Aerodromes at the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority.

The ceremony was attended by Robert Harvey, Station Manager of Austrian Airlines, along with officials from Austrian Airlines and senior executives and officials from MACL.

According to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), which operates VIA, the ceremony included the official opening of Austrian Airlines' check-in counters, and gifts were presented to the 321 passengers traveling on that flight. MACL stated that the 321 passengers who arrived on the airline's first flight to dock at Terminal 1, OS021, were given a warm welcome with cultural activities.

Austrian Airlines began operating flights to the Maldives on November 2, 1995.

Austrian Airlines is the 23rd airline to begin operations from Terminal 1, which opened on July 26, 2025. MACL states that its goal is to provide the most comprehensive and highest quality service to all airlines traveling to the Maldives.