The Maldives, a tropical paradise located in the Indian Ocean, is famed for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxury resorts. Each year, thousands of tourists flock to this dream destination to experience its beauty. One of the first steps in reaching this island nation is landing at its airport. Understanding the main airport in Maldives will enhance your travel experience and help you plan your journey with ease. In this blog, we’ll explore the key airports in the Maldives, focusing on the main gateway and other significant airports that connect travellers to this idyllic destination.
1. Velana International Airport (MLE) - The Main Gateway
The primary and most well-known airport in the Maldives is Velana International Airport, formerly known as Ibrahim Nasir International Airport. Located on Hulhulé Island, adjacent to the capital city Malé, it serves as the main international gateway for tourists travelling to the Maldives. Velana International Airport handles the vast majority of international flights coming from all corners of the globe.
A. Facilities and Amenities
Velana International Airport is modern and equipped with numerous amenities for travellers, such as duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges. Despite its small size compared to many other international airports, it offers essential services that ensure a comfortable layover or transit period. Facilities include:
- Duty-free shopping
- Local and international cuisine restaurants
- Free Wi-Fi
- Currency exchange counters
- VIP lounges for first-class passengers
- Spa and wellness services
B. Flights and Airlines
Major airlines from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East serve Velana International Airport. Airlines like Qatar Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and British Airways operate regular flights here, making the Maldives easily accessible from most parts of the world. There are also numerous domestic and regional flights from nearby countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, which are frequent and relatively affordable.
C. Transfers to Resorts
Upon landing at Velana International Airport, the next step for many travellers is reaching their resort destination. Since the Maldives is made up of over 1,000 coral islands, travellers are usually transferred to their respective resorts by either a seaplane, speedboat, or domestic flight. Many luxury resorts have private lounges at the airport where guests can wait in comfort before boarding their seaplane or boat. The speedboat transfer is typically used for resorts closer to Malé, while seaplanes offer a scenic and faster option for islands farther away.
2. Gan International Airport (GAN) - The Southern Gateway
Gan International Airport, located on Gan Island in the southern Addu Atoll, is the second international airport in the Maldives. It is significant because it offers direct international flights, especially from nearby regions, as well as domestic flights connecting travellers to the southern atolls.
A. Strategic Location
Gan International Airport is essential for those visiting the southern parts of the Maldives, reducing the need for long seaplane or domestic transfers from the capital. Its proximity to several high-end resorts, as well as its tranquil surroundings, makes it an ideal starting point for those seeking to explore the lesser-known regions of the Maldives.
B. Direct Flights
Gan International offers direct flights primarily from neighbouring countries like India and Sri Lanka. It's also connected to Malé by daily domestic flights, making it a convenient stopover for those venturing into the southern atolls.
3. Domestic Airports in the Maldives
In addition to international airports, the Maldives has several domestic airports to cater to internal travel between the islands. Some of the prominent domestic airports include:
- Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HAQ): This airport serves the northern Maldives and is situated on Hanimaadhoo Island in Haa Dhaalu Atoll. It also operates some international flights, primarily to India.
- Dharavandhoo Airport (DRV): Located in Baa Atoll, this domestic airport is popular among tourists visiting nearby UNESCO Biosphere Reserve areas, where some of the most prestigious resorts in the Maldives are located.
- Maafaru International Airport (NMF): Located in the Noonu Atoll, this airport is increasingly becoming a preferred gateway for tourists heading to the luxury resorts in the atoll.
A. Convenient Transfers
These domestic airports allow for convenient island hopping, making it easier for visitors to explore multiple atolls and experience various resorts during their stay. Domestic flights operated by Maldivian Airlines and FlyMe provide connections to these airports, offering regular services and seamless transfers.
4. Seaplane Transfers
One of the most iconic travel experiences in the Maldives is travelling by seaplane. Seaplanes, operated by companies like Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) and Manta Air, connect Velana International Airport to various resorts and islands that do not have domestic airports. The breathtaking aerial views of the atolls, coral reefs, and turquoise waters are truly unforgettable.
Seaplane transfers are particularly popular for tourists staying in remote, exclusive resorts that are not easily accessible by speedboat. Although seaplane transfers can be relatively expensive, they are a quintessential Maldivian experience and offer unparalleled scenic beauty.
5. Future Airport Development
As tourism continues to flourish in the Maldives, the government has undertaken projects to upgrade existing airports and build new ones to accommodate increasing traffic. Expansion plans for Velana International Airport include the construction of a new runway and terminal to manage more passengers and improve efficiency. Similarly, other domestic airports are being modernised to handle more visitors and facilitate smoother travel between islands.
