The Maldives is a scenic paradise and dream destination for millions of travellers worldwide. Renowned as one of the most romantic destinations globally, the Maldives offers much more than turquoise lagoons and pristine beaches. It is a dream destination that enchants you at every turn.
The island nation is connected to the rest of the world through several well-planned airports, offering excellent connectivity. These airports welcome more than one million tourists each year. While they serve as the gateway to the charming destination of the Maldives, they also provide critical support to its thriving tourism industry. They play an integral role in shaping your memories of the island nation and making your journey unforgettable. Let’s explore the domestic and international airports in the Maldives and learn more about their special significance in shaping the unrivalled experience the country offers.
International Airports in the Maldives
The following are some international airports in Maldives:
- Velana International Airport
Velana International Airport, known as Male International Airport, is located on Hulhule Island in the southern Male Atoll, near the capital city of Male. It is the main airport of the island nation and features three terminals: domestic, seaplane, and international. As the primary international gateway to the Maldives, it serves millions of tourists annually. Its newly extended runway can accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Airbus A380.
- Address: Airport Main Rd, 22000, Maldives
- IATA Code: MLE
- ICAO Code: VRMM
- Terminals: The airport has three terminals.
- Services and Amenities: ATMs, Currency exchange counters, medical facilities, duty free shopping, dining outlets, information desks, car rental and prepaid taxi services.
- Hanimaadhoo International Airport
The Hanimaadhoo International Airport is located on Hanimaadhoo Island in Haa Dhaalu Atoll of the Maldives. This airport started as a domestic airport but was later upgraded to the status of an international airport. It has become a growing hub for international and domestic travel in the Maldives. This airport is undergoing development to expand international connectivity and amenities.
- Address: P5W9+XGH, Hanimaadhoo, Maldives
- IATA Code: HAQ
- ICAO Code: VRMH
- Terminals: The airport has one passenger terminal handling both domestic and international flights.
- Services and Amenities: Premium lounge and spa, medical room, outdoor play area, prayer rooms.
- Gan International Airport
Gan International Airport is located on Addu Atoll and mainly serves the southern islands of the Maldives. It is the second most significant international airport in the Maldives. The airport offers basic amenities and is equipped to handle international and domestic flights. This airport provides connectivity for tourists headed to resorts in southern atolls.
- Address: Building No 100 Airport Main Road Addu City Gan, 19070, Maldives
- IATA Code: GAN
- ICAO Code: VRMG
- Terminals: Gan Airport has two terminals, one for domestic and international flights and one executive terminal.
- Services and Amenities: Free wifi, prayer rooms, transfer services to resorts, duty-free shopping, premium lounge
- Maafaru International Airport
Maafaru International Airport is located on Maafaru Island in Noonu Atoll. It primarily caters to high-end tourism and serves luxury resorts in the surrounding areas. The airport offers exclusive private lounges and VIP services for its premium customers. Its 2,200-meter runway can accommodate large private jets and medium-sized international aircraft.
- Address: RFGG+7HF, Unnamed Road, Maafaru, Maldives
- IATA Code: NMF
- ICAO Code: VRDA
- Terminals: Maafaru International Airport has only one passenger terminal.
- Services and Amenities: VIP Lounge, prayer rooms
Dhaalu Airport is an international airport located on the Kudahuvadhoo Island in the Dhaalu atoll of the Maldives. It has one runway that is 1800 metres in length. The airport started operating in 2017 and plays a critical role in supporting tourism and aviation in the Dhaalu Atoll region. It began offering international flights to India in 2024.
- Address: Kudahuvadhoo, Maldives
- IATA Code: DDD
- ICAO Code: VRMU
- Terminals: Dhaalu Airport in Maldives has one terminal building.
- Services and Amenities: VIP Lounge, pick up and drop facilities, shopping, restaurants and cafeterias.
Domestic Airports in Maldives
The following are some domestic airports in Maldives:
Dharavandhoo Airport is located on the Dharavandhoo Island in Baa atoll of the Maldives. It has a single runway that is around 1189 metres in length. The airport mainly serves Flyme and Maldivian airlines. It features only basic facilities, including a small terminal building with check-in desks and passenger services.
- Address: Dharavandhoo, Maldives
- IATA Code: DRV
- ICAO Code: VRMD
- Terminals: Dharavandhoo Airport has one terminal.
- Services and Amenities: Resting lounge, medical centre, storage facilities.
Fuvahmulah Airport is located on Fuvahmulah Island in the Gnaviyani Atoll of the Maldives. This small domestic airport plays a crucial role in connecting the remote island with other parts of the Maldives. It has a single runway that measures approximately 1,100 meters. The airport primarily serves Flyme and Maldivian Airlines, offering flights to destinations including Gan and Male.
- Address: MCRP+795, Naibu Thuththu Hingun, Fuvahmulah, Maldives
- IATA Code: FVM
- ICAO Code: VRMR
- Terminals: Fuvahmulah Airport has one terminal to handle both domestic arrivals and departures.
- Services and Amenities: Lounges, complimentary wifi, refreshments, shower facilities, medical centre, duty-free shops, and restaurants.
Kadhdhoo Airport is located on Kadhdhoo Island in Laamu Atoll, Maldives. As a domestic airport, it plays a key role in connecting the islands of Laamu Atoll with the rest of the country. Situated about 260 km south of Male, the airport operates regular flights to and from Velana International Airport.
- Address: South Central Kahdhoo, Maldives
- IATA Code: KDO
- ICAO Code: VRMK
- Terminals: This airport has only one terminal.
- Services and Amenities: Lounge, internet access, play area.
Maavarulu Airport is located on Maavarulu Island in the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll of the Maldives. It primarily serves Maldivian Airlines, offering flights to destinations including Gan, Male, Kaadedhdhoo, and Kooddo. This airport was developed mainly to support tourism in the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll region.
- Address: 8GQ6+22G, Gadhdhoo, Maldives
- IATA Code: RUL
- ICAO Code: VRQM
- Terminals: Maavarulu Airport in Maldives has only one terminal.
- Services and Amenities: Waiting lounges, and duty-free shops.
Conclusion
The domestic and international airports in the Maldives, apart from facilitating air travel for millions of tourists worldwide, serve as pillars of the island nation's tourism industry. However, when planning a trip to the Maldives, it’s essential not to forget to take essential safety precautions, including travel insurance, which will protect you against unforeseen events and medical emergencies. Travel insurance safeguards against all potential travel-related issues that could disrupt your magnificent tour of the Maldives, leaving you to relax and travel hassle-free.
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