US-Bangla Airlines has officially begun operations from the newly inaugurated Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport (VIA), marking a significant milestone for the airline and the airport’s expanding international operations.

A special ceremony was held on Sunday to commemorate the occasion, inaugurated by Airline Operators Committee Chairman Munaz Ali.

The event was attended by US-Bangla Airlines Station Manager Zahidul Islam, along with senior officials from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).

During the ceremony, the airline’s check-in counter at Terminal 1 was formally opened.

The first 108 passengers departing from the terminal received special gifts, while 176 passengers arriving on flight BS337 the first inbound US-Bangla flight to use the new terminal were warmly welcomed with traditional cultural performances.

US-Bangla Airlines, the largest private airline in Bangladesh by fleet size, first launched its Maldives route on 19 November 2021.

With the commencement of US-Bangla Airlines’ operations, a total of 20 international airlines are now operating from VIA’s Terminal 1, underscoring the airport’s growing role as a key regional aviation hub.