Velana International Airport: The Maldives Gateway

Velana International Airport (MLE), still widely called Malé International Airport, is the main entry point to the Maldives. It sits on Hulhulé Island, right next to the capital island of Malé, and almost every international visitor to the country's resorts passes through it. The airport opened in 1966 and is run by the state-owned Maldives Airports Company Limited.

Location: Hulhulé Island and Malé

Hulhulé is a separate island, but Malé is a short hop away. The Sinamalé Bridge links the airport with the capital, and a taxi across takes about 10 minutes. Hulhumalé, a newer island town with many guesthouses and hotels, is a similar short drive.

Terminals and Facilities at Velana

The airport has three passenger areas. A newer international terminal handles all international arrivals and departures. The former international building now serves domestic flights. A separate seaplane terminal on the western side of the island handles transfers to resorts across the atolls.

The terminals are connected at ground level rather than airside, so allow time to walk between them with your bags. Lounges, cafés and SIM card counters are available for arriving passengers.

Airlines and Destinations from Malé

A wide range of international carriers fly to Velana, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and Singapore Airlines, giving easy connections through the Gulf, Europe and Asia. Domestic carrier Maldivian links Malé with outlying atolls, while seaplane operators such as Trans Maldivian Airways fly guests straight to their resort's lagoon.

Getting from Velana Airport to Malé and the Resorts

To Malé

Take a taxi over the Sinamalé Bridge, or use the public ferry, which crosses to the Malé ferry terminal in about 10 minutes and runs frequently through the day.

To resorts

Resorts close to Malé usually send speedboats, which run around the clock. More distant resorts use seaplanes or a domestic flight followed by a boat. Seaplanes do not fly after dark, so a late arrival may mean a night near the airport.

Things to Do Around Malé

Malé is compact and easy to explore on foot. Visit the Old Friday Mosque with its carved coral stone, browse the local fish market and walk the waterfront. Artificial Beach offers a place to swim close to the city centre.

Travel Tips for Velana International Airport

• Have your return ticket and accommodation booking ready for immigration.
• Check your resort transfer before you book flights, especially if you land late in the day.
• Allow a generous gap between an international arrival and a domestic connection.

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