Complete Guide to Airports in the Maldives 2025-26: International, Domestic & Transfers

The airports in the Maldives connect 1,192 coral islands spread across 26 atolls to the outside world. With multiple international gateways and an extensive network of domestic airports, Maldives tourism ensures a seamless travel experience. From seaplane transfer to a resort to budget island hops, knowing the Maldives airport system makes your trip planning easier. This guide includes everything you need to know about Maldives airports, from large international airports to remote island airstrips.

Key Takeaways

• The primary international airport is Velana International Airport (MLE), which serves 90% of tourist arrivals.
• There are five international-servicing airports (three of which are domestic).
• Seaplane transfers connect most resort islands directly from Velana International Airport.
• Domestic flights serve the local islands and far-off atolls of the archipelago.
• GAN and Maafaru International Airport provide convenient access to the luxury resorts that Maldives travellers love
• The cost and time of transfer differ and are highly dependent on your specific destination and mode of transport.

International Airports in the Maldives: Your Entry Points to Paradise

The Maldives operates five airports with international capabilities, though most international traffic flows through the main hub in Malé.

• Velana International Airport (MLE): Maldives’ Primary Gateway
• Gan International Airport (GAN): Southern Maldives Access
• Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HAQ): Northern Maldives Flights
• Maafaru International Airport (NMF): Luxury & Private Jet Hub
• Maavarulu Airport (RUL): Gateway to Southern Maldives

1. Velana International Airport (MLE): Maldives’ Primary Gateway

Velana International Airport, also referred to as Male International Airport. It is the main aviation terminal in Hulhule Island and is the busiest airport in the Maldives with an annual traffic of more than 4.5 million passengers. The airport’s seaplane terminal connects to the resorts and attractions in the Maldives. 

• Airlines: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, IndiGo, and 25+ other carriers
• Facilities: Modern terminals, duty-free shopping, restaurants, lounges, and a seaplane terminal

Tip: Schedule seaplane transports on golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) so that you have photographic shots of the atolls on Instagram.

2. Gan International Airport (GAN): Southern Maldives Access

The Gan International Airport is located at the south end of the Maldives in Addu Atoll. It is the smaller airport compared to the busy Velana airport. GAN is strategically positioned in the southern part, connecting atolls with luxury resorts in the Maldives.

• Airlines: Maldivian Airlines with seasonal international routes
• Facilities: Lounge, duty-free shopping and dining options 

3. Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HAQ): Northern Maldives Flights

Hanimaadhoo International Airport is located on Haa Dhalu atoll, Maldives. This airport links the northern region to a few international routes and is geared towards regional connectivity. It principally operates the seasonal international flights between Trivandrum (India) and domestic flights.

• Airlines: Maldivian Airlines
• Facilities: Small passenger terminal, check-in counters, waiting lounge and cafe

4. Maafaru International Airport (NMF): Luxury & Private Jet Hub

Maafaru International Airport is the most recent international airport opened in 2019. It serves luxury resorts in the Noonu Atoll with the longest runway outside Velana (2,200 meters). This airport is mainly used by charter flights and high-end resort jets. 

• Airlines: Private jets, charter flights, and limited international connections
• Facilities: VIP passenger lounge, immigration & customs, modern runway and luxury handling services

5. Maavarulu Airport (RUL): Gateway to Southern Maldives

It is recently recognised for its international status, but with limited or no regular scheduled international routes. It primarily serves domestic connections with occasional international charters.

• Airlines: Maldivian Airlines and international charters
• Facilities: Small passenger terminal, check-in counters, waiting area, and basic traveller services.

Domestic Airports in the Maldives: Connecting Islands & Resort Transfers

The domestic airports of the Maldives form a complex network of 18 inhabited atolls. These smaller centres are lifelines to the local communities and doorways to genuine cultural experiences.

Region	Airport	Atoll	Key Features
North	Kulhudhuffushi (KDM)	Haa Dhaalu	Regional hub, multiple daily flights
North	Hoarafushi (HOA)	Haa Alifu	Local island access
Central	Ifuru (IFU)	Raa	Resort connectivity
Central	Dharavandhoo (DRV)	Baa	UNESCO Biosphere access
South	Kadhdhoo (KDH)	Laamu	Historic importance
South	Kooddoo (GKK)	Gaafu Alifu	Resort transfers

Maldives Airport Transfer Options: Seaplanes, Speedboats & Inter-Atoll Flights

Learning about transfer choices can help make the most of your travelling time and funds by planning your Maldives holiday.

Seaplane Transfers: Scenic & Direct Resort Access

Seaplanes provide direct daylight flights between Velana Airport and resorts with beautiful aerial vistas of atolls and water villas in the Maldives.

Things to know:

• Duration:15-45 minutes
• Cost Range: $300-$600 per person
• Luggage Limit: 20kg per person

Note: These flights are mostly dependent on weather conditions

Speedboat Transfers: Affordable & Flexible Island Travel

Speedboat journeys from airports to resort islands are reasonably priced and take no more than two hours. These transfers run 24 hours and provide flexibility which seaplanes cannot achieve.

Things to Know:

• Duration: 30 minutes- 2 hours 
• Cost Range: $50- $300 per person
• Language Limit: 25:30 kg per person

Domestic Flights: Connecting Distant Atolls

Inter-atoll flights in the Maldives also bridge long distances between the areas, and remote atolls are not reached by long speedboat trips.

Things to know:

• Velana to Gan (1.5 hours)
• Velana to regional airports (30-90 minutes)
• Cost range: $80-200 per person

Seasonal Considerations for Maldives Airport Travel

Flight availability and transfer options vary throughout the year depending on weather conditions, the season of the year, and tourism. The dry season between December and April is the best time to visit the Maldives since most flights are linked. Flights are also cheaper in the wet season (May-November) but infrequent. 

Planning Your Maldives Airport Strategy

• Velana International Airport has the highest number of transfer options and flight connections to the Resorts in the Maldives.
• In the case of Local Island Experiences, domestic airports are available that are located closer to your destination to minimise transfer costs.
• To reach the Southern Atolls, Gan International Airport may provide more convenient access than connecting through Male.
• For Private and Luxury Travel, use the Maafaru International Airport 

Bottom Line: Maldives Airports Travel Guide 2025-26

The airports in the Maldives efficiently connect its attractions to the world while providing essential inter-atoll transportation. Velana International Airport remains the primary gateway for most visitors, offering the best connectivity and transfer options to resort islands. Planning your Maldives trip 2025 depends on understanding airport locations, transfer methods, and seasonal variations. Before booking your next flight, explore the Maldives tour packages from Pickyourtrail for great deals, especially during peak season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which airport should I fly into for Maldives 2025?

Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé is the best choice for most travellers, offering the most international flight options and resort transfer connections. 

How much do airport transfers cost in the Maldives?

Transfer costs vary widely: seaplane transfers range from $300-600 per person each way, speedboat transfers cost $50-300 per person, and domestic flights run $80-200 per person. 

Can I fly directly to my resort in the Maldives?

Most resort islands don’t have airports, requiring seaplane or speedboat transfers from main airports. 

How long do airport transfers take in the Maldives?

Transfer times depend on your destination: seaplane transfers take 15-45 minutes, speedboat transfers range from 30 minutes to 2 hours, and domestic flights within the country take 30-90 minutes.

Do I need to book airport transfers in advance?

Yes, booking is recommended, especially for seaplane transfers and during peak season (December-April).