Maldives Destination Guide



Internationally: There are Over 30 international airlines including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, British Airways, Alitalia, Air France, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Sri Lankan Airlines operating numerous weekly flights to and from Malé. Flagship carrier Maldivian also connects the Maldives to various cities in China, India and Bangladesh.

Velana International Airport more commonly known as Male International Airport (MLE) is the Main airport where all international airlines operate. Gan International Airport located on Gan island which connects the southern part of the country is generally used by charter flights and private jets only.

In addition to Maldivian, privately run Fly Me and Manta Air operate domestic flights on several routes within the country.

There are around 6 domestic airports which are used for internal air traffic.

  •        Dharavandhoo (DRV) – Baa Atoll
  •        Fuvahmulah (FVM) – Gnaviyani Atoll
  •        Kaadedhdhoo (KDM) – Gaafu Dhaalu (South Huvadhu) Atoll
  •        Kadhdhoo (KDO) – Gaafu Dhaalu (South Huvadhu) atoll
  •        Kooddoo (GKK) – Gaafu Alifu Atoll
  •        Thimarafushi (TMF) – Thaa Atoll

From India - Flight Connectivity - Region Wise

Ex- Delhi

Air India AI-263
DELMLE 0515 1005
Air India AI-264
MLEDEL 1635 2035


Ex - Bangalore

Air India AI-265
BLRMLE 1420 1545
Air India AI-266 
MLEBLR 1055 1320


Ex- Trivandrum

Air India AI-263
TRVMLE 0920 1005
Air India AI-264
MLETRV 1635 1825


Locally

  • Seaplane: Inter-island travel is often done by seaplane – the taxis of the Maldives. Malé International Airport has a whole terminal dedicated solely to Maldives transfers by seaplane. Seaplane operators, including Maldivian, Manta Air and Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) – world’s largest seaplane operator – also serve several resorts located in outer atolls
  • Ferry: The airport passenger ferry, which runs a regular service 24 hours a day, seven days a week works like a lifeline for local Maldivians. There are ferries to Male centre every 10 minutes for most of the day.
  • Speedboat & Dhoni Services: Most commonly used mode of transportation in getting around the Maldives is by speedboat. These high-speed boats, which are quicker than the ferries, tend to service resorts that are a little closer to Male.Dhoni’s are convenient only to travel to short distances, mainly because of their slow speed. Dhoni’s are especially convenient for diving and excursions.