Aeroflot Takes Two Top Honors at Inaugural Velana Aviation Awards

MOSCOW, Feb 17 – Aeroflot has secured a double victory at the first-ever Velana Awards, an aviation prize established by Malé's Velana International Airport in the Maldives. The Russian carrier was recognized for its 2025 performance, winning awards for 'Highest Passenger Growth in CIS Countries' and 'Highest Passenger Traffic in CIS Countries.'

The awards highlight Aeroflot's expanding presence on the lucrative Moscow-Malé route. Last year, the airline carried over 282,000 passengers between the two capitals, a 15% increase compared to 2024. To meet this rising demand, Aeroflot currently operates up to nine weekly flights from Moscow during the seasonal schedule and has moved its operations to the airport's new Terminal 1.

The inaugural Velana Awards ceremony also honored other major international airlines, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Turkish Airlines. The prizes are awarded across three main aviation sectors: passenger travel, cargo operations, and airport lounges. For Aeroflot, the twin accolades underscore a period of significant growth in a key tourist corridor, even as the global aviation industry navigates a complex environment.