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Arriving & Departing Air Travel

Arriving & Departing Air Travel

Maldives

Major Airports & Airlines

Velana International Airport MLE

The main international airport for the Maldives, located on Hulhulé Island, adjacent to Malé.

Airport Role

  • Handles the vast majority of international flights.
  • Hub for domestic flights and seaplane transfers to resorts.
  • Strategic location offers quick transfers to the capital.

Airline Connections

Many major international airlines connect the Maldives to global hubs.

Global Routes

  • Direct flights from Middle East (Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines).
  • Asian carriers (SriLankan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Indian, Chinese).
  • Seasonal European airlines (London, Frankfurt, Zurich during peak season).

High Season Prices

December to March sees increased flight frequencies and higher prices due to demand. Book several months ahead for better fares.

Shoulder Season Value

April and November may have slightly lower prices than peak, with good flight availability.

Low Season Deals

May to October (wet season) generally means lower flight prices. Flexibility with dates leads to savings.

Airport Amenities

Arrival Services

  • Currency exchange in arrival hall.
  • Local SIM card providers (Dhiraagu, Ooredoo) in arrival hall.
  • Information desks for transfers and airport details.
  • Luggage trolleys for convenience.

Departure Conveniences

  • Duty-free shops for last-minute souvenirs.
  • Various restaurants and cafes.
  • Airline and pay-per-use lounges.
  • Check-in counters and security screening.

Airport Transfers to Malé

Public Ferry

Most economical. Connects Hulhulé Island (airport) to Malé. Approx 10-15 min, MVR 10.

Speedboat

Faster than ferry. Private charters or shared transfers available. Approx 5-10 min, USD 10-25 shared.

Hotel Transfers

Many hotels in Malé or Hulhumalé arrange direct speedboat transfers. Check with accommodation.

Local Transport & Inter-Island

Malé's Internal Transport

Malé itself has a limited bus service for short commutes. Taxis are common for quick trips.

Getting Around Malé

  • Limited bus service within Malé. More comprehensive on Hulhumalé.
  • Taxis available by hailing or from stands. Fares fixed (MVR 25-50).
  • Walking is the best way to explore most attractions due to compact size.

Ferry Network

Public ferries form the backbone of local transportation, connecting islands.

Island Connections

  • Most common and cost-effective way between Malé, Hulhulé (airport), Hulhumalé.
  • Links Malé to nearby local islands and other atolls.
  • terminals: Malé-Hulhumalé, Malé-Airport, Villingili Ferry Terminal.

Taxi Operations

Taxis are common for quick trips around the compact city of Malé.

Taxi Information

  • Licensed taxis are white or yellow cars with a 'Taxi' sign.
  • Fares within Malé are fixed: around MVR 25 (day), MVR 30-50 (night/luggage).
  • Confirm fare with the driver before your journey.

Other Transport Notes

Rental options for personal vehicles are limited and generally impractical for tourists in Malé.

Important Advice

  • No major international ride-sharing apps like Uber/Grab.
  • Car rentals not practical due to small island size, congestion, limited parking.
  • Motorcycle/scooter rentals for tourists very limited and not recommended due to traffic.

Local Road Conditions

  • Traffic in Malé is dense and often slow-moving.
  • Roads are narrow; driving on the left side.
  • Parking is extremely limited and challenging.
  • Walking is much easier and encouraged for exploring.
  • Cycling is safer and more pleasant in Hulhumalé, not ideal for Malé's traffic.
  • Exercise caution due to dense vehicle traffic on all streets.

Specialized Transfers

Speedboats & Water Taxis

Speedboats are frequently used for transfers to nearby resort islands and local islands from Malé.

Water Transfers

  • Arranged by hotels or local tour operators.
  • Faster alternative to public ferries for specific destinations.
  • Connects to various resort and local islands.

Seaplane Journeys

Seaplanes are a common and often spectacular mode of transport for transfers to more distant luxury resorts.

Aerial Transfers

  • Operated by Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) and Maldivian.
  • Depart from Velana International Airport's seaplane terminal.
  • Typically arranged by resorts as part of your booking.

Accessibility Note

Malé has limited accessibility services. Urban infrastructure poses challenges for wheelchair users.

Prior Inquiry

Contact accommodations and tour operators directly in advance for arrangements.

Preparation

Assess their ability to meet your specific mobility needs.

Departure Information

Departure Readiness

Arrive at Velana International Airport (VIA) at least 2-3 hours before your international flight for check-in, security, and immigration. Departure taxes are generally included in your ticket price.