Travellers asked to arrive 3 hours before departure amid Eid travel peak

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MALC) on Friday urged travelled to arrive at the main Velana International Airport (VIA) three hours before departure to avoid long lines and possible delays during the holiday season. 

A nine-day holiday period began on Friday and will continue till July 1, as academic year ended on Thursday and Eid al-Adha falls on June 28. With the extended holiday period, many have already begun leaving the capital to islands across the country as well as abroad.

"During the holiday season, we urge all travellers to arrive at Velana Airport 3 hours before departure to avoid long lines and possible delays. Also, for seamless operation, we recommend that all travellers complete the IMUGA form prior to check-in. Wish you a joyful holiday season," MACL said on Twitter.

On an average, 2,500 passengers are expected to travel from VIA to domestic destinations every day during the Eid holidays, MACL said on Thursday.

Domestic airlines operated more than 50 scheduled domestic flights on Thursday alone.

National carrier Maldivian, along with private Manta Air and Villa Air operate domestic flights in Maldives.