Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the operator of Velana International Airport, reports a notable surge in private jet arrivals as the New Year approaches. December traditionally sees a spike in private jet movements, driven by the Christmas and New Year holidays. Currently, over 30 jets are parked at the airport, highlighting the season's peak demand.

According to MACL officials, 148 jet movements were recorded as of December 28 this year, reflecting an 8% increase compared to the 137 movements recorded during the same period last year. Annually, jet movements have also risen, with 2,326 recorded so far this year, marking a 10% growth compared to 2,107 movements in the corresponding period last year.

To accommodate the increasing demand, Velana International Airport has three dedicated parking areas for jets, offering a total of 68 slots.

Passenger traffic has also grown significantly. This year, 2.4 million passengers arrived at the airport, a 9% increase from the 2.2 million passengers recorded last year. MACL attributes this growth to the dedicated efforts of its staff, who are working overtime to manage the high passenger volume efficiently.

Officials emphasized that the professionalism and commitment of the staff play a crucial role in ensuring uninterrupted services during this busy season.