Airlines that fly to the Maldives

Despite the restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maldives continues to be one of the most coveted tourist destinations. According to statistics, in the first six months of 2021, the Maldives was visited by about 500,000 tourists from different countries.

To provide numerous international flights, as well as good air connections between the atolls, the Maldives has four main international air harbors and a number of small home airports.

Velana International Airport | Depositphotos

Major international airports in Maldives

When going on vacation, check out some basic information about Maldives International Airports that can be helpful when planning your trip.

Male International Airport

This hub (also known as Velana International and Ibrahim Nasir International Airport) is located on Hulhule Island near Male and is the country's main and busiest airport. You can get from the airport to the Maldives capital by public ferry, speedboat or bus. Travel time will be approximately 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the chosen mode of transport.

Male airport offers passenger flights to more than 20 countries, including India, USA, Russia, Germany, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Great Britain and many others.

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Velana International Airport | Depositphotos

Gan International Airport

This small international airport is located on the eponymous island of the Addu Atoll in the southern part of the Maldives. Originally built by the British as a foothold for the British Air Force, the airport was later modernized and today receives passenger flights from Sri Lanka, as well as a number of inland islands, including Male.

The following resorts are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport

Equator Village Resort (5 minutes);
Shangri-la's Villingili Resort & Spa (10 minutes);
Canareef Resort Maldives (20 minutes).

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Maafaru International Airport

This airport, located on the eponymous island of Noonu Atoll, was opened in 2019 in order to develop Noonu Atoll as a luxury tourist area. It is infamous for its negative environmental impacts, including the threat of destruction of turtle nesting sites.

Maafaru has flights to India, as well as to selected local islands (including Hanimaadhoo, Hoarafushi, Ifuru) and Male. The airport is serviced and operated by Maldivian National Airline.

Hanimaadhoo International Airport

This small airport is located on the Hanimaadhoo island of Haa Dhaalu Atoll and has a single airstrip. From here international flights to India, Bangladesh and the Maldives hinterland are carried out. It is separated from the capital by about 300 kilometers.

Major domestic airports in Maldives

In addition to international, the Maldives has a number of domestic airports scattered across the islands.

Among them:

Maamigili (Villa Airport, Alif Dhaal atoll, during the operation of the airport its status has changed, at the moment it serves only domestic flights);
Kadhdhoo (Kadhdhoo island, Laamu atoll);
Kaadedhdhoo (Kaadedhdhoo island, Gaafu Dhaalu atoll);
Dhaalu (Kudahuvadhoo island, Dhaalu atoll);
Fuvahmulah (Fuvahmulah island, Gnaviyani atoll);
Thimarafushi (Thimarafushi island, Thaa atoll);
Kooddoo (Kooddoo island, Gaafu Alifu atoll);
Ifuru (Raa Atoll);
Hoarafushi (Haa Alif Atoll).

Dharavandhoo airport is worth a separate mention - the most popular domestic airport in the country. It serves flights to from Male, as well as a number of islands, including Hanimaadhoo, Hoarafushi and Maafaru. Travel time to Male is 30-35 minutes. Schedules and prices can be viewed on the websites of the carriers Maldivian and Manta Air. It is interesting to note that the cost of flights for the local population and for international travelers with Maldivian can vary significantly. Therefore, before booking a ticket, it is worth talking to a representative of your hotel (guesthouse), as there is a possibility that they will be able to arrange a flight for you at the best prices.

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