Velana International Airport (VIA) has successfully handled its first sea-to-air transshipment cargo from Cambodia.

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) said the cargo arrived in the Maldives by sea before being transported by air from VIA to Lille, France.

MACL said the shipment marks an important expansion of the airport's sea-to-air cargo service into Southeast Asian markets and highlights the Maldives' growing role as a logistics hub connecting Asia and Europe.

The airport has previously handled similar shipments from Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka. MACL said the successful handling of cargo from Cambodia demonstrates the expansion of its cargo services into new markets.

Sea-to-air transshipment combines sea and air freight, offering a faster alternative to sea transport and a more cost-effective option than air freight alone. MACL said the milestone further strengthens VIA's position as a key logistics hub in the Indian Ocean.