The Maldives is a small South Asian nation surrounded by the Indian Ocean. The Maldives is renowned for its coral reefs and appears on every list of vacation destinations. The country is widely dispersed, consisting of approximately 1,200 islands, of which around 200 are inhabited. Maldives is, perhaps, considered the most popular vacation spot in the world, and one could easily spend hours describing how stunning the ivory sand is and how charming the dolphins are in the cobalt sea. The breathtaking vistas of Maldives attract visitors from various corners of the globe. These islands are well connected by 14 airports; there are around 4 international airports and 86 domestic airports, which facilitate transportation. Equipped with all the necessary amenities and well-designed, these airports provide the best experience for travelers. To learn more about the airports in Maldives, here is a list of the major airports that make a difference.
List of Top Airports in Maldives
Maldives, being the world’s most scattered nation, spread across an area of over 90000 sq kms, offers some magnificent islands to explore in its every nook and cranny. In such a land like Maldives, the airlines of Maldives international airport are blessings as they connect the remote islands of Maldives and also reduce travel between the islands as well as travel time. Here is a list of airports in Maldives you can refer to.
- Velana International Airport
- Hanimaadhoo International Airport
- Gan International Airport
- Villa International Airport
- Kadhdhoo Airport
- Dharavandhoo Airport
- Ifuru Airport
- Kooddoo Airport
- Dhaalu Airport
- Fuvahmulah Airport
- Kaadedhdhoo Airport
- Thimarafushi Airport
- Kulhudhuffushi Airport
- Maafaru International Airport
1. Velana International Airport
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Also known as Ibrahim/Malé/Hulhule International Airport. Situated in Hulhule Island, it serves as the primary entrance to the Maldives. A well-connected airport that operates notable airlines like Emirates, Air Asia, etc. The airport connects to major cities such as New Delhi, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Moscow. It is well connected to the domestic terminals and is an active hub for seaplane operations. It is located approximately two kilometers away from the capital, Malé. Ferry services are available, but only to Malé. They are managed by an independent entity called Maldives Airport Company Limited (MACL), thus providing various facilities, such as a healthcare center, duty-free shops, free internet kiosks, and food centers.
Airport Codes: IATA – MLE and ICAO – VRMM
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2. Hanimaadhoo International Airport
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Also overseen by Maldives Airport Company Limited (MACL), this airport is less congested. Located in Hanimaadhoo Island in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, the Maldives International Airport has a solitary runway for both domestic and international flights. Only Maldivian airlines operated here, connecting Trivandrum, India and other Island exploring in Maldives. The airport is quite minimalist and is about 45 minutes away from the capital. It also provides amenities like outdoor parks for children, parking, and internet kiosks.
Airport Codes: IATA – HAQ and ICAO – VRMH
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3. Gan International Airport
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Smaller than Hulhule Airport, this airport is situated in Gan Island, Addu Atoll. It was initially established by the Royal Navy and was later handed over to Addu International Airport Pvt limited. It has two terminals- one for both international and domestic flights and another for Shangri-La’s Resort and Spa guests. Flyme and Maldivian airlines are domestic airlines while SriLankan is the only Cost-effective International Flights that operate there. Taxis and speedboats are available for convenient transportation. Souvenir shops, cafes, and a prayer room cater to the passengers.
Airport Codes: IATA – GAN and ICAO – VRMG
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4. Villa International Airport
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A tiny airport located on Maamigili Island in Alif Dhaalu Atoll. It was initiated by Qasim Ibrahim of Villa Group. The airport possesses a solitary terminal utilized by both Flyme Airlines and Chartered Seaplanes. Ferry ships are employed to journey to Male Island, which is 108 kilometers away. It falls within the vicinity of their flagship resorts.
Airport Codes: IATA – VAM and ICAO – VRMV
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5. Kadhdhoo Airport
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It represents the primary airport established in the Maldives. Positioned on Kadhdhoo Island, Haddhunmathi Atoll, the airport is minuscule and is surrounded by flourishing vegetation. Managed by Maldives Airport Corporation, the airport facilitates the operations of Flyme and Maldivian Airlines, linking other Maldivian islands. The airport is fitting for individuals with an aversion to overpopulated locations.
Airport Codes: IATA – KDO and ICAO – VRMK
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6. Dharavandhoo Airport
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A primary airport in Dharavandhoo Island, Baa Atoll which was inaugurated by President Mohamed Waheed Hassan in 2012. FlyMe and Maldivian Airlines operate there connecting seven major cities such as Male, Ifuru, Hanimaadhoo Island, Kadhdhoo, and Dharavandhoo. Essential amenities like wireless internet and restrooms are available. Shuttle services are provided, facilitating transportation to and from resorts and hotels.
Airport Codes: IATA – DRV and ICAO – VRMD
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7. Ifuru Airport
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This airport is approximately 177 kilometers away from the capital, Male. Established by Coastline Investments and currently managed by Island Aviation Services, this airport offers standard facilities. Maldivian airlines operate at this location, connecting four significant islands, namely Dharavandhoo, Kadhdhoo, Hanimaadhoo, and Male.
Airport Codes: IATA – IFU and ICAO – VREI
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8. Kooddoo Airport
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As described by visitors, it is a serene airport among all the airports in Maldives, situated in Kooddoo Island, Gaafu Alifu Atoll. It was inaugurated in 2012 by Bonavista Maldives Pvt Ltd and is managed by Island Aviation Services. Maldivian Airlines operate at this location, connecting Male, Gan, and Alifu. The airport provides an ATM with self-service banking options and dining establishments.
Airport Codes: IATA – GKK and ICAO – VRMO
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9. Dhaalu Airport
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It is the most significant and newest internal airport in the Maldives. Opened by Reollo Investments Pvt Ltd and currently operated by Dhaalu Airport Holding, it is one of the well-structured airports. Located in Kudahuvadhoo Island, the airport is relatively fresh and offers a splendid view of sunsets. Maldivian Airlines operates here connecting Male, Kadhdhoo, Kadhdhoo, and Gan. The airport has VIP lounges, shopping stores, and dining areas for the passengers.
Airport Codes: IATA – DDD and ICAO – VRMU
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10. Fuvahmulah Airport
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It is a small and convenient airport situated about 500 kilometers away from Male, in Fuvahmulah Island in Gnaviyani atoll. It was opened in 2011 by the Government of Maldives. The airport provides essential facilities like complimentary wifi and dining areas. Maldivian and Flyme airlines operate here connecting Gan and Male. Occasionally, flights are canceled due to insufficient passengers.
Airport Codes: IATA – FVM and ICAO – VRMR
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11. Kaadedhdhoo Airport
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Established in 1993, this airport is situated in Kaadedhdhoo Island, Huvadhu Atoll. It is operated by Maldives Airport Corporation. The island is uninhabited, so speedboats are available for transportation to resorts and guest houses in nearby islands. Maldivian Airlines connect Male, Gan, and Kadhdhoo Island from here. Perfect for individuals who prefer less crowded areas. The airport has essential facilities like restrooms and dining areas.
Airport Codes: IATA – KDM and ICAO – VRMT
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12. Thimarafushi Airport
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This domestic airport is situated in Thimarafushi Island in Thaa Atoll. About 244 kilometers away from Male, the only flights that depart from here go to Male exclusively. The airport was established by Maldives Transport and Contracting Company in 2013 and is currently managed by Island Aviation Services.
Airport Codes: IATA – TMF and ICAO – VRNT
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13. Kulhudhuffushi Airport
Kulhudhuffushi Airport among all airports in Maldives, is an airport located at the Island Kulhudhuffushi in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives. The airport commenced operations on August 9, 2019. It is positioned at an elevation of 1 meter which is equivalent to 3 ft 3 inches above sea level.
Airport Code: HDK
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14. Maafaru International Airport
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Newly established, this airport situated at Noonu Atoll, was officially inaugurated its doors in the month of August, 2018. The 2.2 kilometer runway of Maafaru Airport is well capable of accommodating all the largest planes, the Boeing 73 and the A320. In addition, this airport is well-designed enough to be a part of the Abu Dhabi project which is an ultra-luxury tourism zone. Passenger terminal, a city hotel and the jet parking facility have also developed in the midst of the airport. The northern part of the atoll is considered as a home to the high-end resorts like Velaa Private Island, Soneva Jani, Sun Siyam Irufushi and Cheval Blanc Randheli.
Airport Code: NMF
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International Airports in Maldives provide the facility of tourist visas for Indian visitors on arrival by immigration officers. The procedure is relatively simple to follow and is hassle-free. These airports have made all the travel process to this country as easy as possible. Now when you will be traveling to Maldives, the transfer and departure will be simpler at these airports.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Airports In Maldives
Which airport do you arrive in the Maldives?
Velana International Airport is preferred by visitors. It is about 2 kilometers away from the capital, Male.
Which is the main airport of the Maldives?
Velana International Airport (also called Male International Airport) is the leading international airport in the Maldives. It is located on Hulhule Island, near the capital island Male. Male airport is the primary gateway into the Maldives islands for tourists as it operates leading airlines and connects major cities.
How do I get from Male Airport to the Maldives?
Ferry rides are available near the airports.
How many airports are there in the Maldives?
There are 12 airports out of which four are international and remaining are domestic.
Which airlines fly to the Maldives?
Major airlines like AirAsia, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Jet Airways are operated at international airports of the Maldives.
What is the name of the largest airport in the Maldives?
Male International Airport is known as the main airport in the Maldives. Situated on Hulhule Island in the North Male Atoll, Male Airport is the main gateway in the Maldives for the visitors.
How many airports are there in the Maldives?
Four International Airports, one large, one smaller, eight domestic airports are there in the Maldives.
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