Maldives Airports Company

What Maldives Airports Company does

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) is a 100% government-owned limited liability company that operates Velana International Airport (VIA) on Hulhule Island — the sole major international gateway to the Republic of the Maldives. Incorporated in August 2000 and tracing airport operations to 1966, MACL provides complete airport management services including air navigation (with exclusive national rights granted by the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation in 2011 across the ~500,000 sq nm Maldives Flight Information Region), passenger processing, cargo handling, aviation fuel storage and refueling (16,500 KL tankage), ground handling/ramp operations, and airport rescue and firefighting (ARFF). The company serves 30+ international airlines, 34 scheduled cargo airlines, and 6.04 million annual passengers across 214,596 aircraft movements, and handles 48,673 tonnes of cargo annually. MACL is the largest employer in the Maldives with a workforce of over 3,500, 97% of whom are Maldivian nationals.

The company's technology stack centers on operational automation rather than AI: RFID-based Smart Gate services for automated luggage scanning and immigration clearance (launched jointly with Maldives Customs Service in February 2024), self-service automated passport control kiosks for Maldivian e-passport holders, an online cargo tracking and self-handling portal for registered cargo agents, the VIA Maldives mobile application (iOS and Android) for flight information and advertising, and ORAT-supported passenger flow management for the new terminal delivered in collaboration with aviation consultancy MODALIS.

MACL earns revenue from a diversified set of streams tied to airport activity: transaction-based aeronautical charges (landing fees, parking, air navigation), cargo handling fees (4,000 sqm terminal, up to 70,000 tonnes/year), aviation fuel services, Maamahi Executive Lounge and CIP/VIP subscriptions, duty-free and travel retail sales (670 sqm in international departure, with a US$2M+ facility upgrade), F&B concession royalties from international franchisors (Burger King, Costa Coffee, KFC, Pizza Hut, Thai Express, Dairy Queen, Gloria Jean's Coffees, Pizza Company, Coffee Club, Harvest Market, Secret Recipe), advertising sales (banners, floor stickers, mobile-app inventory at unit rates of USD 5-416), ground handling managed services, and ARFF services. The company is currently undertaking a USD 1 billion government-funded development program — including a new 78,000+ sqm passenger terminal, Code-F 3,400m runway, 12,000 sqm cargo complex, 37,000 m² fuel farm with 8.4 km hydrant system, and expanded CIP/VIP building — that will lift capacity from 1.5 million to 7.5 million passengers annually.

Name

Maldives Airports Company

Legal name

Maldives Airports Company Limited

Website

https://macl.aero

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) is a 100% government-owned limited liability company that operates Velana International Airport, the sole major international gateway to the Maldives, serving 6 million annual passengers, 30+ international airlines, and 34 cargo airlines through aeronautical charges, cargo handling, fuel services, duty-free retail, F&B concessions, and ground handling.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Airport Operations

NAICS

Airport Operations (48811), Other Airport Operations (488119), Air Traffic Control (488111), Other Support Activities for Air Transportation (488190)

SIC

Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581)

akta.pro primary industry

Security Operations Center (SOC) / Airport Security Command & Control (BPAKAMAG)

Keywords

• Airport operations management
• Air navigation services
• Ground handling services
• Cargo terminal operations
• Aviation fuel services

Headquarters

HQ city

Male

HQ country

Maldives

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Airport Operations and Aeronautical Charges: Landing fees, parking charges, and air navigation charges collected from airlines operating at Velana International Airport. Governed by aerodrome charges schedules.
2. Fuel Services: Aviation fuel storage and refueling services. MACL operates fuel farm facilities with 16,500 KL tankage capacity and a fleet of 8 modern refuelers. Jet fuel received via ocean tankers, stored, certified, and delivered to aircraft wing.
3. Cargo Handling Services: Professional cargo and mail handling services to scheduled airlines. The 4,000 sqm Cargo Terminal handles up to 70,000 tonnes annually. Services include acceptance, weighing, screening, loading, export/import documentation, and cargo delivery.
4. Lounge and VIP/CIP Services: Maamahi Executive Lounge (seating 95) and CIP/VIP services for priority passengers. Services include meet-and-greet, escort, immigration handling, baggage services, refreshments, and duty-free assistance. Revenue from service application fees.
5. Duty-Free and Travel Retail: Maldives Duty-Free operates 670 sqm retail area in international departure zone, offering confectionery, perfumes, cosmetics, and souvenirs. Investment of over US$2 million in revamping the retail space.
6. Advertising and Promotional Campaigns: Advertising opportunities at VIA including X-banner stands, retractable banners, brocade stands, inflatable models, floor stickers, danglers, backlit boards, boduberu, photography, videography, exhibition spaces, and mobile app advertising. Revenue from daily rates and hourly fees.
7. Food & Beverage Concessions: F&B outlets operated by international franchisors (Burger King, Thai Express, Pizza Company, Coffee Club, Dairy Queen, Gloria Jean's Coffees, Costa Coffee, Pizza Hut, KFC, Harvest Market, Secret Recipe) at departure concourse and waterfront franchise building.
8. Ground Handling Services: Ramp services including flight supervision, baggage sorting and loading, aircraft marshaling, ground power supply, aircraft cleaning, toilet and water services, cabin cleaning, aircraft towing, and air starter supply.
9. ARFF Services: Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting services, the nation's largest aerodrome fire fighting service, established 12 April 1966. Maintains ICAO-prescribed response times and preparedness levels.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) operates Velana International Airport (VIA), the primary international gateway of the Maldives, providing full-scope airport management including aeronautical services (landing, parking, air navigation), ground handling, cargo operations, aviation fuel supply, ARFF, and passenger-facing commercial amenities (lounges, duty-free, F&B, advertising, special assistance).

Product overview

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) operates as a government-owned airport operator managing Velana International Airport (VIA) and other airports across the Maldives. The company's service portfolio includes core airport operations (passenger processing, cargo handling, fuel services, air navigation, ARFF, and ramp services) alongside passenger-facing amenities. Key products and services include Smart Gate Services with RFID-based automated passport control and luggage scanning; Maamahi Executive Lounge (CIP/VIP services); Cargo Services with automated handling and online tracking portal; Food & Beverages with international brand outlets; Maldives Duty-Free retail; Advertising Services; VIA Maldives Mobile App; BOLI disability assistance; medical facilities; currency exchange; luggage storage; and bag wrapping services. Major development projects include a new international passenger terminal building (78,000+ sqm, 7.5M passenger capacity), new cargo terminal complex (12,000 sqm), new fuel farm with hydrant system, new runway (Code-F, A380 compatible), and expanded CIP/VIP building.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Velana International Airport Operations
• Smart Gate Services
• Ground Handling / Ramp Services
• Fuel Services
• Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF)
• Cargo Handling Services
• Air Navigation Services
• Maamahi Executive Lounge (CIP/VIP Services)
• Maldives Duty-Free
• Advertising and Promotional Services
• Food & Beverage Concessions
• Cargo Agent Self-Service Portal
• BOLI Assistance for Non-Visible Disabilities
• Luggage Storage
• Bag Wrapping Service
• Hulhule Island Hotel (Airport Hotel)

Quantifiable outcome

• Passenger capacity to increase from 1.5 million to 7.5 million annually with the new terminal development
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• MODALIScoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 25 June 2025Global aviation consultancy providing expert input on the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) process for the new terminal at Velana International Airport. MODALIS supports MACL in preparing the 72,000 sqm terminal for international operational standards and smooth passenger transition. The terminal is designed to handle 7.5 million passengers annually.
• Maldives Customs ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 February 2024Maldives Customs Service and MACL jointly introduced Smart Gate services at Velana International Airport. The service uses RFID tags for automated passenger luggage scanning, improving immigration and customs clearance efficiency. Inaugurated by MACL CEO Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed and Commissioner General of Maldives Customs Yusuf Maniu Mohamed. This partnership enhances passenger experiences and improves service efficiency at the country's main air gateway.
• Bank of MaldivescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBank of Maldives operates currency exchange counters at Velana International Airport — at arrivals, departure duty-free area, and concourse. Provides foreign exchange services to arriving and departing passengers. ATM services also provided (Bank of Maldives and Habib Bank ATMs at terminals).
• AasandhacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAasandha operates the health care center at Velana International Airport terminal, providing basic first aid and minor health emergency services. Aasandha also operates the airport pharmacy, next to the Bank of Maldives ATM. Services are available during flight hours and provide general medications available in the country.
• DhiraaguminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDhiraagu operates a telecommunications outlet in the concourse area of Velana International Airport, providing local SIM cards and roaming services to arriving passengers. Part of passenger convenience services at VIA.
• OoredoominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOoredoo operates a telecommunications outlet in the concourse area of Velana International Airport, providing local SIM cards and roaming services to arriving passengers. Together with Dhiraagu, covers the telecommunications needs of international visitors.
• International F&B FranchisorscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational food and beverage brands operating at VIA under franchise agreements including Burger King, Thai Express, The Pizza Company, The Coffee Club, Dairy Queen, Gloria Jean's Coffees, Costa Coffee, Pizza Hut, KFC, Harvest Market, and Secret Recipe. These brands serve departing and transit passengers at the airport's F&B outlets.
• Maldives ImmigrationcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMaldives Immigration operates immigration and emigration counters at Velana International Airport, processing arrivals and departures of all international passengers. Grants 30-day free tourist visa on arrival to all nationalities. Coordinates with MACL on automated passport control systems and entry/exit formalities.
• Tourist PoliceminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerTourist Police service is dedicated to assisting tourists with any issues during their visit to the Maldives. Office is located near the Departure Terminal. Contact number is 1478. Provides security assistance specifically tailored to the needs of international tourists arriving at VIA.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/MACLmedia
• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/maldives-airports-company-limited

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Maldives Airports Company