
Maldivian is the national airline of the Republic of Maldives, operating under IATA code Q2 and ICAO code DQA. Headquartered in Malé, the airline is a subsidiary of Island Aviation Services Limited, a fully state-owned enterprise established on 13 April 2000. Maldivian serves as the flag carrier of the Maldives, providing scheduled domestic and international passenger services alongside a unique seaplane operation that connects the country's far-flung island resorts and atolls.
The airline plays a vital role in the Maldivian transport network, bridging the gap between the capital Malé and remote island communities that are otherwise inaccessible by conventional aircraft. With its main hub at Velana International Airport (MLE), Maldivian operates a mixed fleet of fixed-wing aircraft and seaplanes, making it one of the few carriers in the world that combines full-service airline operations with scheduled seaplane services.
Maldivian was born out of necessity following the collapse of the previous national carrier, Air Maldives. Island Aviation Services Limited was established to ensure domestic air connectivity across the geographically dispersed island nation. Key milestones in the airline's history include:
Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé serves as the airline's primary hub. This airport is the main international gateway to the Maldives, handling the majority of tourist arrivals. From MLE, Maldivian connects passengers to over 18 domestic destinations across the atolls and operates international services to cities in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Southeast Asia. The airline's mission is centred on providing safe, reliable, and accessible air transport to all corners of the Maldives, supporting both the tourism industry and the everyday travel needs of local communities.
Maldivian operates a diverse fleet of approximately 26 aircraft, uniquely combining fixed-wing planes with seaplanes to serve the varied operational needs of the Maldives. The fleet includes the following aircraft types:
The seaplane fleet is a defining feature of Maldivian's operations. The DHC-6 Twin Otter seaplanes land directly on lagoons adjacent to resort islands, offering a scenic and efficient transfer method that has become synonymous with travel in the Maldives. These seaplanes typically carry 15 to 19 passengers per flight and operate during daylight hours only due to the visual nature of lagoon landings.
Maldivian continues to modernise its fleet, with orders placed for additional ATR 42-600 aircraft expected to arrive by early 2026. The airline maintains its fleet to international safety standards under the oversight of the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority.
Maldivian connects the capital Malé with islands and atolls across the Maldives, as well as international destinations in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Popular routes include:
For Malaysian travellers, the Maldives is a premier tropical holiday destination. While Maldivian does not currently operate direct flights from Malaysia, you can reach Malé via convenient connections through Colombo, Bangkok, or other regional hubs. Explore these popular routes from Malaysia on Traveloka:
Check the latest routes and real-time availability on Traveloka for the most up-to-date schedules and fares.
Understanding the baggage rules before your trip will help you pack efficiently and avoid additional charges. Below is a summary of Maldivian's baggage policy for fixed-wing aircraft services.
For seaplane services, cabin baggage allowances may differ due to the smaller aircraft cabin size. Passengers are advised to pack light and check specific seaplane baggage limits at the time of booking.
Passengers who anticipate exceeding the standard allowance should contact the airline or check at the ticketing office for exact excess baggage rates on their specific route. Pre-purchasing additional baggage through Traveloka at the time of booking may be more cost-effective than paying at the airport.
Maldivian follows international aviation security regulations. Key restrictions include:
Airport counter check-in is available at Velana International Airport and all domestic airports served by Maldivian. Recommended arrival times:
Passengers must collect their boarding passes and drop off checked baggage at least 1 hour before the scheduled departure time.
Maldivian offers online check-in through its official website at maldivian.aero. The online check-in window varies by flight type:
After completing online check-in, passengers with checked baggage must still visit the baggage drop counter at the airport at least 1 hour before departure. Passengers travelling with cabin baggage only can proceed directly to security screening.
Maldivian also offers a convenient city check-in service at the Greater Malé Bus Terminal in Malé. City check-in opens 4 hours before departure and closes 90 minutes before departure. This service allows passengers to check in their baggage and collect boarding passes before heading to the airport, reducing congestion and waiting times at the terminal.
On select aircraft, Maldivian offers a Business Class cabin with enhanced amenities. Business Class passengers enjoy:
Economy Class is the standard cabin on all Maldivian flights. Economy passengers receive:
Maldivian provides complimentary meal and beverage service across both cabin classes. Business Class receives a full meal with starters and main courses, while Economy Class passengers are offered refreshments. Meals are prepared in accordance with halal standards. Passengers with specific dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, or allergy-related needs are encouraged to inform the airline at the time of booking.
The seaplane service on DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft offers a uniquely Maldivian flying experience. Passengers enjoy breathtaking aerial views of turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, and scattered island atolls during the scenic flight. Seaplane cabins are configured in an all-economy layout with approximately 15 to 19 seats. Due to the nature of seaplane operations, flights operate during daylight hours only, and baggage allowances may be more restrictive than on fixed-wing services.
Maldivian provides dedicated support for passengers with reduced mobility, visual or hearing impairments, medical conditions, or other special needs. Available services include:
Passengers who require medical equipment on board, such as portable oxygen concentrators or mobility aids, should notify the airline at least 48 hours before departure to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place.
Contact Maldivian directly to arrange unaccompanied minor services and to confirm eligibility for your specific route.
To reschedule a Maldivian flight booked through Traveloka:
The ability to reschedule and any associated fees depend on your fare type. Flexible fares generally allow changes with lower fees, while promotional or discounted fares may carry stricter conditions or higher fees.
Refund eligibility depends on the type of ticket purchased:
To request a cancellation or refund, visit your booking details on Traveloka and follow the guided process. Refund processing typically takes 7 to 30 business days depending on the payment method used at the time of booking.
If Maldivian cancels a flight due to operational reasons, weather, or other factors, affected passengers are generally entitled to a full refund or rebooking on the next available flight at no additional cost. Contact Traveloka's 24/7 customer support for immediate assistance in such situations.
Booking Maldivian flights through Traveloka offers several advantages for Malaysian travellers:
Use these strategies to secure the best fares on flights to the Maldives and other Maldivian destinations:
Follow these simple steps to book your Maldivian flight or connecting flight to the Maldives on Traveloka:
Save or print your e-ticket for reference at the airport. For connecting flights, ensure you have adequate transit time and all necessary travel documents for each country in your itinerary.
Berikut adalah langkah-langkah untuk menempah tiket Maldivian secara dalam talian:
Pembayaran untuk tiket Maldivian boleh dibuat melalui pemindahan bank dan kad kredit.
Untuk maklumat lanjut mengenai kaedah pembayaran yang tersedia, sila lawati halaman Kaedah Pembayaran.
E-tiket Maldivian berfungsi sebagai bukti tempahan anda untuk penerbangan Maldivian. Tunjukkan e-tiket anda di kaunter Maldivian semasa daftar masuk (sama ada di lapangan terbang atau dalam talian) untuk mendapatkan pas masuk anda. Jika anda tidak menerima e-tiket dalam masa 60 minit selepas pembayaran, sila hubungi Khidmat Pelanggan Traveloka dengan segera.
Flight duration varies by destination. Domestic flights within the Maldives typically range from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, while international flights from Malé to destinations such as Thiruvananthapuram or Colombo take approximately 1 to 2 hours. Check estimated flight times and real-time updates via Flight Status on Traveloka.
You can check your Maldivian flight status on Traveloka via the Flight Status page to get real-time updates on departure times, delays, and gate information.


