Dhaka, Aug. 12 -- For decades, the Maldives - scattered across the Indian Ocean southwest of India and Sri Lanka - has lured high-spending travellers from around the globe.

Visitors have long arrived from diverse markets including China, Russia, and Europe, the latter tracing its ties back to the islands' days as a British colony before independence in 1965.

Yet, many regions remain without direct air links to this luxury destination. That is set to change with the completion of a USD 1 billion expansion at Velana International Airport, featuring a new runway and terminal. Built largely by Saudi and Chinese firms, the new facility officially opened on 26 July 2025 after nearly a decade of development.

The Maldives is now looking to tho...