Velana International Airport has welcomed 244 jets in November 2020, resulting in an 142% increase in jet landings in comparison to same period last year.
As per Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Velana International Airport witnessed 101 jet movements in November 2019 while this year, the airport has handled 244 jet movements, resulting in the 142% increase.
Looking into October, in the year 2019 100 jets arrived at the airport while October 2020 has seen 173 jet movements. This marks an increase of 73% in October as well.
Travelers arriving by private jet have been permitted to enter the country since 1st June 2020. Since its the peak season of the destination, the number of private jets arriving in the Maldives is projected to increase some more. The island nation has previously witnessed increase in jet landings up to 15 jets a day during the peak season.
MACL also revealed that the number of jets are projected to further increase in December. With the border reopening and winter season ahead, Maldives continues to welcome private jets at other regional airports such as Addu, Kooddoo, Kudahuvadhoo, and Maafaru International Airport as well.
Maafaru International Airport has seen an increase in jet landings since the country reopened its borders where they welcomed 65 jets in November, resulting in a 59% increase in jet landings. According to Mumthaz Ali, General Manager of Maafaru International Airport, the airport is expected to welcome 100 jets by the end of December 2020.
Maldives reopened borders to all nationalities from 15th July 2020. All visitors are granted a 30-day free on-arrival visa with a confirmed booking for a stay at any registered tourist facility in the country.
Maldives has also extended ‘Split Stay’ for all types of tourist accommodation facilities, allowing tourists to split their stay between resort, hotels, guesthouses and liveaboard boats, with prior approval as per split-stay procedure and guideline by the Ministry of Tourism.
While there is no mandatory quarantine or testing on arrival, tourists traveling to Maldives are required to complete an online health declaration form and provide a negative PCR test result taken at least 96 hours prior to their departure.
The negative PCR test result must be attached while completing Traveler Health Declaration form, which has to be submitted online via IMUGA (www.imuga.immigration.gov.mv), by all arriving passengers before arrival (but not exceeding 24 hours before arrival time).
Featured Image: Velana International Airport
