The first aircraft which landed at the airport was a Royal New Zealand Air Force Bristol Freighter, NZ5906,[4] on 19 October 1960 at 13:55hrs.

The rebranding is part of a strategic plan in aligning the airport with the economic vision of the Yameen administration.

[7] India has played a crucial role as a key supporter and financier of infrastructure initiatives in the Maldives, serving as a steadfast friend.

India's Line of Credit amounting to $136.6 million significantly expedited the successful completion of the Male Airport project.

[8] In 2010, the Nasheed administration appointed IFC to run a bidding process for the privatisation of the airport.

[10][11] GMIAL announced that the development plans included reclaiming more land at the eastern end of the runway; where a new terminal is to be built.

[15] On 7 December, GMR handed over the airport to the government, and MACL was reinstated as the operator.

[20][21] On 26 June 2019, a Maldivian Airbus A320 successfully tested the new southwest apron at Velana International Airport.

[22] The terminal was developed by China’s Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) at a cost of US$55 million.

With 28,000 square metres (301,389 sq ft) of floor space, the four-storey terminal building includes offices, arrival lobbies, and 42 lounges, most of which are dedicated for resorts aside from the MACL’s VIP and business lounges.

[18][26][27][28] The expansion project also includes the construction of a cargo terminal and a fuel farm that is expected to be completed in 2020.

The old runway was closed by a departing Turkish Airlines Airbus A330 bound for Istanbul, Turkey.

[33] As of October 2023, SriLankan Airlines is the largest foreign carrier into the Maldives with over 21 flights a week.

Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, Sri Lanka is the most common direct stop out of the Maldives as it is served by SriLankan Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Flydubai and Gulf Air who operate a combined total of up to 7 flights daily between Sri Lanka and the Maldives.