Airports In The Maldives: Top Ones Traveler Needs To Know About

A land surrounded by the Indian Ocean on all sides, Maldives is home to over 1200 beaches that are perfect in every sense as far as the holiday experience is concerned. Since this is a destination that receives a record number of travelers every year, the airports in Maldives have to keep up with the travel rush all round the year.

In fact, since there are about 1200 islands here, air travel is a serious boon to the travel industry in the Maldives. So, here's what you need to know about the top airports in the Maldives that ensure ease of travel all along.

Top 14 Airports In Maldives - International & Domestic

Maldives is home to a number of international and domestic airports that travelers should be aware of. Here are some of the top airport in Maldives that every traveler needs to know about.

Top International Airports In The Maldives

Here are some top international airports in Maldives that one needs to know about when planning a vacation to the Maldives.  

1. Velana International Airport

Easily the busiest airport in Maldives, the Velana International Airport is sometimes even called the Male International Airport and it wouldn't be wrong if one calls it the Maldives main airport. First opened for travel in 1960, the airport isn't actually located in Male and is operated by the Maldives Airports Company Limited. There are two airlines that have their headquarters here - Trans Maldivian Airways, and the Maldivian which is the national airline of the country.

In fact, one can get facilities like ATMs, baggage storage options, duty-free shops, food options, and so much more.

Terminals - The Velana International Airport, also known as the Male Airport Maldives, has three terminals for international, domestic, and a water dome which is used for Seaplane Operations.

Top Airlines In Operation -

• Maldivian
• Emirates
• Air Asia
• China Eastern Airlines
• SriLankan Airlines

Services & Facilities At Velana International Airport -

• Health Center
• Internet Kiosks for Free
• Baggage Storage Facility
• ATM

Airport Codes - IATA - MLE & ICAO - VRMM

Nearby Hotels- Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, Paradise Island Resort & Spa, Gili Lankanfushi Maldives

2. Gan International Airport

Although there are limited flight operations at the Gan International Airport, it still features on second for good enough reasons. Nestled to the south of Male, this is an airport that was first built by the Royal Navy and was used as a military airbase during the Second World War. Interestingly, domestic flight operations began at this airport only in 1976 while international operations started in 2017. Managed by the Addu International Airport Pvt. Ltd., it is one of those International Airports in Maldives that offer services like a prayer Room, medical facilities, a top of the line restaurant, and much more.

Terminals - The Gan International Airport has two terminals which are used for both domestic and international operations. There is an executive terminal as well here which is used for the guests of Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa.

Top Airlines In Operation -

• Flyme
• Maldivian

Services & Facilities At Gan International Airport -

• Prayer Room for Muslim travelers
• Restaurant
• Medical Facilities
• Free Wifi (Only for Executive Terminal)
• Lounge & Television (Only for Executive Terminal)

Airport Codes - IATA - GAN and ICAO - VRMG

Nearby hotels- Equator Village Resorts, Equatorial Divers Lodge, Addu Stay, Abuharee Grand, Rekidhiye Inn

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3. Hanimaadhoo International Airport

Hanimaadhoo International Airport lies about 287 KM to the north of the capital of the Maldives. Operated by the Maldives Airports Company Limited and having a single runway for both domestic and international operations, this is an airport that serves Haa Dhaalu which is one of the best places to visit in the Maldives. Interestingly, Maldivian is the only flight carrier that operates from the Maldives International Airport to countries like India and other islands.

Terminals - The Hanimaadhoo International Airport only has one runway that is used for both domestic and international operations.

Top Airlines In Operation - Maldivian is the only airline that operates as a flight carrier from the Hanimaadhoo International Airport, connecting flights to India, and other domestic locations like Male, Dharavandhoo, and Ifluru.

Airport Codes - IATA - HAQ & ICAO - VRMH

Nearby Hotels- Viluveli Holiday Retreat, Barefoot Eco Hotel, Hondaafushi Island Resort, Blue Coral Vashafaru Maldives

4. Dharavandhoo Airport

Another Maldives island airport that operates only domestically, the Dharavandhoo Airport is a fine airport that is operated by the Island Aviation Services. The airport is owned by Coastline Hotels & Resorts Pvt Ltd and is nestled about 115 KM away from the capital of the Maldives, Male. There are, in fact, flights that run from Dharavandhoo Airport to domestic locations like Male, Hanimaadhoo, and Ifluru.

Top Airlines In Operation -

• Flyme
• Maldivian

Airport Codes - IATA - DRV & ICAO - VRMD

Nearby Hotels- Blue World Dharavandhoo, Hanifaru Transit Inn, Star Tree, LVIS blancura Hotel, Dhonfulhafi Beach View & Spa

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5. Villa International Airport

Located about 108 KM to the south-west of Male Island, the Villa International Airport is another top airport operating flights to Male Airport. The airport is operated by the Villa Group and has only one terminal with a single concrete runway. Renowned to serve more than 170,000 passengers on an annual basis, the airport even serves as a base for the private airline company Flyne.

In fact, there are many resorts in the Maldives that are located in close proximity to the Maldives International Airport. Some of them include Sun Island Resort, Centara Grand Island Resort and Spa, Maldives Rangali Island, and many more. Travelers can reach these resorts by hiring speedboats from the airport.

Top Airlines In Operation -

• Flyme
• Charter Seaplanes

Airport Codes - IATA - VAM & ICAO - VRMV

Nearby Hotels- Boutique Beach Guesthouse, K Villas Maldives, Radisson Blu Resort Maldives, Amaya Resorts & Spas Kuda Rah Maldives

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6. Maafaru International Airport

Maafaru International Airports in Maldives is located in one of the most popular islands, the Noonu Atoll. Opened on 1 December 2019, the airport is one of the biggest airports that can accommodate the largest planes like Boeing 73 and the A320. It was designed to boost luxury tourism in Noonu Atoll with facilities like parking and hotels, jet parking and more. You can find several luxury resorts and villas nearby to stay and add on more adventure with some thrilling things to do in the Maldives.

Terminals- Operated by the Island Aviation, Maafaru International even allows private jet landing, boasting of a long runway of 2,200-meter. - The Airport has one terminal with VIP Lounge.

Top Airlines In Operation - FlyMe, Maldivian, Manta Air

Services & Facilities At Maafaru International Airport-

• Luxury hotels
• Parking Space

Airport Codes - NMF

Nearby hotels: Noku Maldives, Soneva Janvi, Siyam World, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi

Top Domestic Airports In The Maldives

Here are the top domestic airports that every traveler should be aware of when traveling to the Maldives.

1. Kadhdhoo Airport

One of the very first domestic airports in Maldives serving passengers since the 1980s, the Kadhdhoo Airport is located about 260 KM away from the capital Male and is an airport that is operated by the Maldives Airports Corporation. The airport serves multiple islands in Haddhunmathi Atoll and can be considered by travelers for domestic travel within the specified region.

Top Airlines In Operation -

• Flyme
• Maldivian

Services & Facilities At Kadhdhoo Airport -

• Restaurant
• Lounge
• A play area for children
• Mosques
• Rooms for passengers

Airport Codes - IATA - KDO & ICAO - VRMK

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2. Kaadedhdhoo Airport

Nestled 340 KM away from Male and opened in 1993 for travel, the Kaadedhdhoo Airport is another domestic airport operated by the Maldives Airports Corporation and perhaps the main airports in Maldives to reach the islands of Huvadhu Atoll. This is an airport that operates on an island that is virtually inhabited. In fact, travelers can find guesthouses and resorts on the nearby islands which can be commuted via speedboat.

Top Airlines In Operation - Maldivian is the only airline that operates flights from here to islands like Male, Gan, and other such places.

Airport Codes - IATA - KDM & ICAO - VRMT

3. Dhaalu Airport

Now here's an interesting fact about the Dhaalu Airport, it is, in fact, the largest and the newest airport in Maldives. Operated by the Dhaalu Airport Holdings and owned by Reollo Investments Pvt. Ltd., the airport uses solar energy for its operations and has one of the largest runways. The runway has been specially designed to handle large flights and has a number of food options for the travelers alongside its other facilities.

Top Airlines In Operation - Maldivian is the only airline that operates at the Dhaalu Airport.

Services & Facilities At Dhaalu Airport -

• Dining
• Shops
• VIP Lounge

Airport Codes - IATA - DDD & ICAO - VRMU

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4. Fuvahmulah Airport

Another top Maldives airport opened in 2011 for operations, the Fuvahmulah Airport both owned and operated by the Government of Maldives. Nestled around 500 KM to the south of the capital, Male, the airport has a single runway and doesn't receive too many passengers even though there are flights operated by both Maldivian and Flyme here. Besides, the airport serves Gnaviyani and doesn't have much in terms of the facilities except its location.

Airport Codes - IATA - FVM & ICAO - VRMR

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5. Thimarafushi Airport

Nestled around 224 KM away to the south of Male, the Thimarafushi Airport was constructed in 2013 by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company. The airport is operated by the Island Aviation Services and has flights running only to and from Male.

Airport Codes - IATA - TMF & ICAO - VRNT

6. Kooddoo Airport

Opened in the year 2012, the Kooddoo Airport has located approximately 384 km towards the south of Male. Owned by a private firm, Bonavista Maldives Pvt Ltd the airport is operated by Island Aviation Services. The airport is connected by major destinations and airports in the Maldives located at Male, Gan and Kadhdhoo. Being one of the major entry points for the Gaafu Alifu Atoll in the Maldives, the airport is served by major airlines and offer travelers every comfort like ATM and more.

Airport Code: IATA – GKK and ICAO – VRMO

Airlines: Maldivian

Serves: Gaafu Alifu

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7. Ifuru Airport

Ifuru Airport, in the Maldives, lies towards the north of Male, at an approximate distance of 177 km. Connected by some of the main airport in the Maldives, the airport is operated by Island Aviation Services. Built-in the year 2015, the island is connected to major destinations like Raa Atoll and Noonu Atoll. These islands house some of the best beaches in the Maldives where you can enjoy leisure or try activities like surfing and swimming and more.

Airport Codes: IATA - IFU and ICAO – VREI

Airlines: Maldivian

Serves: Ifaru

8. Hoarafushi Airport

The domestic airport serving the Hoarafushi island is the best airport in the Maldives that was officially opened in the year2020. With a runway of 1,200 meters, the Hoarafushi airport offers a passenger terminal of 8,635 meters. Regular flights are operating from Mahe Airport making it easier for the travelers to reach the scenic attractions in Hoarafushi. Well, this is one of the newest airports that will land you on reclaimed attraction or island in the country.

Airport Codes: HRF

Airlines: Maldivian

Serves: Hoarafushi

Suggested Read: Honeymoon Places In Maldives For An Exquisite Stay With Your Better Half

Interesting Facts About Maldives

So, now we know about the top domestic and international airports in Maldives that serve millions of passengers every year. Let's take a closer look at some of the most interesting facts about the Maldives you probably haven't heard of.

The Shape Of Islands

One of the most interesting facts about the Maldives is the shape of islands that keeps modifying, thanks to mother nature. There are some islands where the sand is moved away but is eventually brought back by the seasonal currents when the monsoon ticks over. What is fascinating is that, in most cases, some sandbanks completely disappear by the currents but their place is taken by new sandbanks.

Beware Of The Sun

We all love to spend time at the beach villas in the Maldives, right? Well, there's one thing that travelers should know about sunbathing on a beach in the Maldives. Set very close to the equator, Maldives receives an extreme amount of sun rays which is unbearable at times. In fact, the sun rays strike the Maldives almost at an angle of 90°. Hence, travelers should be aware of this fact and take every possible measure for protection from the sun's heat.

Home To Whale Sharks

Ever seen a whale shark? Well, in case you haven't, then the Maldives is the place for you. It is one of the very few places in the world where travelers can encounter whale sharks almost all year long. In fact, the world's biggest fish has its sanctuary in the Maldives along the archipelago. So, the next time you think of seeing a whale shark, visit the Maldives and you won't be disappointed.  

The Maldives Is The Lowest Country In The World

One amazing fact that might scare a few, Maldives is, in fact, the lowest country in the world. The country is at an average of only 1.5 meters above sea level which makes it the lowest country in the world.  

Maldives Is A Mix Of Civilizations

Now here's a thing, Maldives was the crossword of the ancient trading routes and which has resulted in a mix of civilizations here. Today, the Maldivian community is a mix of Indian, African, European, even Arabian civilizations.  

The Traditional Boat

One amazing fact about the traditional Maldivian boat is that it resembles much like the ancient Arabian Dhow. Commonly used in the Indian Ocean around the 11th Century, the Dhows were the trading ships used by the Arabians and Dhoni, a famous traditional Maldivian boat that is much similar to the Dhow in shape and size.

Coral Houses

One interesting thing about the Maldives is the coral houses. Traditionally, Maldivian made their houses with corals. However, since coral reefs around the world are now protected, this type of house making has been forbidden. Having said that, many coral houses can still be seen in Male and local islands.  

Islands In Plenty

This is a fact that most travelers would probably know. The Maldives is a country that is made up of approximately 1200 islands. However, out of those 1200, only about 200 are inhabited and only a few host hotels, resorts, airports, and other things.

One of the finest places to visit for a fine holiday, Maldives is nothing short of a paradise surrounded by the Indian Ocean. The airports in Maldives are a lifeline for the travelers commuting domestic from one island to the other and provide a number of facilities to the visitors. So, if you're someone who's longing for a fine holiday in the lap of nature, book your flight to the Maldives and be a part of the fun-filled holiday experience in this ever-popular paradise on earth.

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