How to get to the Maldives

Only a few countries offer direct flights to the paradise islands, and most require transfers. How can you optimally and affordably plan your route to the Maldives?

As a rule, you have to fly to the Maldives with a stopover. After all, the archipelago is located in the ocean and is far from European capitals and the USA. Therefore, the most favorable prices for flights are from Asian countries. The Maldives are connected by direct flights to 24 countries.

You can fly to the paradise islands by direct flight from the following countries:

• Europe: Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, Russia, Great Britain.
• Eurasia: Turkey, Russia, Kazakhstan.
• Asia: Bahrain, Bangladesh, India, Kuwait, Malaysia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, UAE. Direct flights from China will resume in 2023 after a two-year hiatus.

There are no direct flights from Australia, Africa, and the Americas to the Maldives. Therefore, tourists usually have to fly with transfers.

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Airports of Maldives

Almost all tourists arrive at Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé. It receives most of the regular flights from other countries. MLE is located on the island of Hulhulé near Malé, the capital of the Maldives. From here it is most convenient to make further transfers to the resorts: a good choice of transport - speedboats, public ferries, seaplanes, domestic airlines.

The second international airport is located on the island of Gan. Flights from only a few countries fly here. Geographically, the island is located closer to Sri Lanka, so it mainly receives flights from Colombo. This option is suitable for you if you are planning a vacation on the Addu Atoll.

Maarafu International Airport (NMQ) and Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HAQ) are two alternative international airports in the Maldives. Although they are classified as international, they mainly operate as domestic airports, handling tourists from Malé. Most of the international flights they handle are private jets or commercial flights from neighboring countries - Sri Lanka and India.

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Connecting Flight

Many tourists will not have to fly a direct flight, but will have to transfer to another plane at a large hub. The most popular hub airports, where people most often make connections, following from European countries and the USA:

• Middle East: Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH), Abu Dhabi (AUH) are popular hubs for flights from Europe, America, Asia, and Australia.
• Asia: Singapore (SIN), Colombo (CMB), Kuala Lumpur (KUL) - convenient for flights from Asia, Australia, and parts of Europe.
• Europe: Istanbul (IST), Frankfurt (FRA), Paris (CDG) - sometimes used for transfers between different European cities or for connections with flights from other regions.

Advantages of a connecting flight:

• Cost: as a rule, tickets with a transfer are cheaper than direct flights. You can choose the cheapest option for your city.
• Shopping in Duty Free: Large hub airports, where transfers are usually made, have huge shopping areas where you can buy anything. This is a great opportunity to buy perfume, cosmetics, electronics, and other goods at bargain prices. But just do not buy alcohol - it is prohibited to import it to the Maldives, even if bought in Duty Free. They will make you check it in to a storage room.
• Getting to know a new country: A layover can be a chance for a short excursion. You can arrange a stopover (a planned stop in the layover city for more than 24 hours) or plan a few days between flights to see the sights in the layover country. But be sure to check the visa requirements of the country so that you can pass through security with your passport.

Cons:

• Long flight: a layover adds 2-7 hours (and sometimes more) to the total travel time. This can be very tiring, especially for families with children. If you have to wait a long time for your flight, you want to rest, so you need a hotel. This leads to an increase in the cost of the flight. Sometimes, with long layovers (usually more than 8-12 hours), the airline can provide a hotel, but this should be clarified in advance.
• Missing your flight: A delay or cancellation of your first flight may result in you missing your connecting flight. This does not happen often, but it is still possible.

Advice:

• Plan ahead: Consider layovers, visa requirements, and the possibility of delays.
• Buy a single ticket: This way, the airline is responsible for your layover and will help you rebook if there are delays. If you buy tickets in different segments, the company will not help you with your layover.
• Check the airline's terms and conditions: find out about baggage rules, food provision, and possible hotel accommodation if you have a long layover.
• Download the airline's mobile app: this way you can easily track the status of your flights and receive notifications about changes.

Asad Photo Maldives

Where to Fly to Maldives

From UK to Maldives

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly directly. British Airways flies three days a week during the high season (October to March). The flight takes 10 hours. Arrival in Malé is at 9:40 am. But the choice of dates is only Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday for departure and Monday, Thursday, and Saturday for return. If you want to travel from April to September, you will have to consider alternative options. The cost is about $1,000, sometimes you can catch a ticket for $800 (all prices are for a one-way flight per person). But with several transfers, you can fly to Malé for $400.

Isaac Struna

From USA to Maldives

Travelers from the United States will need at least one stop to reach the Maldives. Most often, hubs are major Middle Eastern airports such as Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi.

• Via Dubai (Emirates): Several daily flights from major US cities including New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and Dallas (DFW), with a stopover in Dubai (DXB). From Dubai there is a direct flight to Malé, with a travel time of about 4 hours.
• Via Doha (Qatar Airways): Connects major US cities such as New York (JFK), Washington, DC (IAD), and Chicago (ORD). This route is popular due to its excellent service and short layovers, making it one of the most convenient routes to the Maldives.
• Via Abu Dhabi (Etihad Airways).

Jeffry S.S.

From Europe to the Maldives

Direct flights: There are quite a few options for direct flights to the Maldives from Europe.

Direct flights (British Airways, Lufthansa, Condor, Air France, Neos, Swiss): flights to Malé from cities such as London (LHR), Frankfurt (FRA), Paris (CDG), Milan (MXP) take about 10-11 hours. Flights from Frankfurt - from $700 with Condor and from $400 with Lufthansa. From Milan (Italy) - from $500-600 (flights on Mon and Fri). From Zurich (Switzerland) - from $1,000, flights twice a week. Travel time 9.5 hours.

With a stopover: Via Middle Eastern hubs: Many travellers from Europe also choose flights via Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi.

From Asia to Maldives

For those traveling from Asia, flying to the Maldives doesn't take long.

Direct flights:

• Singapore Airlines offers direct flights from Singapore (SIN) to Malé, with a flight time of around 4.5 hours (from $400).
• SriLankan Airlines is a great option with direct flights from Colombo (CMB) that take just 1.5 hours. Flights from Colombo to Malé start at $150, and to Gan Island from $260.
• Air India, IndiGo: Direct flights across India are available from cities such as Mumbai (BOM), Delhi (DEL), and Bangalore (BLR). These flights usually take about 2 hours and cost from $100.
• Malaysia: The cheapest way to fly is from Kuala Lumpur. Prices are about $60 one way. The flight takes about 4 hours.

From the Middle East to the Maldives

It is a major hub for flights to the Maldives, with many direct routes to the Maldives.

• From Istanbul (Turkey): Turkish Airlines flies. Cost - from $700, the journey takes about 7 hours.
• From Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi: (Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, FlyDubai). Low-cost carriers (Flydubai, Air Arabia) offer direct flights from Dubai and Sharjah. Flight duration is about 4-5 hours. Cost: from Dubai from $400 - FlyDubai, from $800 - Emirates, from Abu Dhabi from $400 - Etihad Airways, Qatar Airlines, from Doha from $1,000, from Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) about $500. Travel time is 5 hours.

From Australia and New Zealand to the Maldives

Travellers from Australia and New Zealand have several options.

• Via Singapore: Singapore Airlines connects Australia (Sydney, Melbourne) and New Zealand (Auckland) with the Maldives.
• Via Middle Eastern hubs in Dubai and Doha - Emirates, Qatar Airways.

Andrew Cutajar

Tips for Booking Flights to Maldives

• Book early: Start searching for tickets at least a couple of months before departure. The earlier, the more likely you are to find good prices.
• Consider the season: Ticket prices are always higher during holidays (New Year, Christmas, May holidays) and in the high season. High season (December-April) is the most popular time to visit the Maldives. If you are on a budget, consider traveling at a different time. Low season (May-November) - prices are lower, but rain is possible. But April-May and September-October are good times to travel: prices are moderate, and the weather is usually favorable.
• Check layover options: If you have a longer layover, consider taking a day. Dubai and Doha, for example, have plenty of attractions. Airlines sometimes offer free tours or hotel stays for longer layovers.
• Flexible travel dates: If you don't have a strict date commitment, it's easier to snag a good deal. Midweek flights are often cheaper than weekend flights.

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Airlines Service Flying to Maldives

The flight across the ocean is long and tiring. But the companies that fly there provide good service.

• Emirates (Dubai - Malé): On flights to Malé, Emirates offers passengers a high level of service even in economy class: hot meals with a choice of dishes, including halal and vegetarian, free alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, an individual multimedia system ICE with hundreds of films, series, and games. For children - a children's menu, sets with toys. In business class, spacious seat-beds, meals from the menu from the chef, premium drinks, amenity kits, priority check-in, and access to business lounges.
• Qatar Airways (Doha - Malé): Economy Class offers a selection of hot meals, including options for children and vegetarians. Oryx One entertainment system with movies, Wi-Fi is available. A cradle is provided for infants upon prior request, and for older children there are cartoons, sets with games, and an adapted menu. In Business Class - lie-flat seats, a menu from chefs, premium wines, sleep kits, and lounge access.
• Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi - Malé): Economy class offers a menu with hot meals, drinks, including alcohol, and an E-BOX entertainment system with a large selection of films and music. Some flights have Wi-Fi. For families, there is baby food, cartoons, and educational sets. The airline also offers its Flying Nanny service - the staff will help entertain your child. Business class offers bed-seats, a menu of your choice, luxury travel kits, and lounges at Abu Dhabi Airport.
• Turkish Airlines (Istanbul - Malé): Full in-flight meals are offered, including children's and vegetarian meals. Snacks, desserts, and drinks are available. The Planet entertainment system offers films in different languages, music, games. Cartoons, children's gift sets, the possibility of pre-ordering children's meals. In business class - seats with more space, meals from the chef, welcome service, and access to the waiting rooms.
• Aeroflot (Moscow - Malé): Economy class - standard hot meals, drinks, blankets, pillows, and an entertainment system with films and music. For children there are sets with games and cartoons. Children's food on request. In business class - an improved menu, spacious seats, priority boarding.
• Singapore Airlines (Singapore - Malé): Economy class offers a choice of meals, including a menu for children and allergy sufferers, a KrisWorld system with multimedia materials, Wi-Fi, sockets, and USB ports at each seat. Cradles, gift sets, and cartoons are available for families. Business class offers spacious seats that transform into beds, and a menu on request from chefs.
• Edelweiss, Lufthansa, Condor (flights from Europe): Airlines operating seasonal flights from Europe (in particular, from Germany and Switzerland). Economy class offers hot meals, a selection of drinks, a multimedia system with films, music, and games, pillows, and blankets. Children are provided with cartoons and sets, and a children's menu can be ordered in advance. Business class offers more space, improved meals, and access to lounges.

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Water Transport

Despite its island location, the Maldives does not have regular passenger sea service with any country in the world. Even the nearest Sri Lanka is not connected to the Maldives by ferries, boats, or cruise routes.

Cruises from India

As of 2025, cruises calling at the Maldives are only available from India.

• The main departure points are the ports of Mumbai, Kochi, and sometimes Trivandrum.
• The distance to the Maldives is from 700 to 2,000 km, depending on the route.
• Cruise duration is from 3 to 16 days.
• Stops in Goa and Colombo (Sri Lanka) are often included.
• Both large liners and compact catamarans are available.
• Average price: from $400 per person for a 2-berth cabin with meals and entertainment (excluding taxes and port fees).

Yachts and Private Vessels

There are strict rules for travelers on private yachts:

• Entry is possible only through three ports: Uligamu (north), Malé (central), Gan/Hitadhoo (south).
• Before entering the port, it is necessary to contact the Coast Guard on channel VHF-16 and receive instructions.
• Mooring and maintenance services are available at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa (north) and Addu Atoll (south).
• The Maldives has high fees for navigation, permits, and port services.
• Parking spaces are strictly limited and require separate approval.
• Permission for a short-term (up to 72 hours) stop can be obtained quickly, but for a longer stay, immigration and customs control, a cruise permit, and inspection of the vessel and captain are required.
• In Malé, yachts usually moor off the east coast of Villingili Island.

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