News Desk
Velana International Airport (VIA), operated by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), has secured nominations in two major categories at the prestigious World Travel Awards 2026.
The Maldives’ main gateway has been nominated for “World’s Leading Airport 2026” and “World’s Leading Airport – Customer Experience 2026.” According to MACL, VIA earned its spot in these global categories after winning “Indian Ocean’s Leading Airport 2026” at the regional World Travel Awards held in September.
In the “World’s Leading Airport 2026” category, VIA goes head-to-head with some of the world’s most prominent international hubs. The list of nominees includes Singapore’s Changi Airport, Dubai International Airport, Hong Kong International Airport, Istanbul’s iGA Airport, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, New York’s John F. Kennedy, and Zurich Airport.
Meanwhile, in the “World’s Leading Airport – Customer Experience 2026” category, the Maldivian hub is competing against 12 major global airports, including Singapore’s Changi, Dubai International, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, Sydney Airport, and Auckland Airport.
MACL has called on the public, travellers, tourism industry stakeholders, and well-wishers of the Maldives to vote and support Velana International Airport in both categories. Voting is conducted through the official World Travel Awards website.
The winners will be announced later this year at the World Travel Awards Grand Final Summit.
