Here is a comprehensive list of airports in the Maldives, categorized into international and domestic airports, along with their respective city, ICAO, and IATA codes:
International Airports:
| Airport Name | City | ICAO Code | IATA Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Velana International Airport | Malé | VRMM | MLE |
| Gan International Airport | Addu City | VRMG | GAN |
| Hanimaadhoo International Airport | Hanimaadhoo | VRMH | HAQ |
| Maafaru International Airport | Maafaru | VRDA | NMF |
| Villa International Airport | Maamigili | VRMV | VAM |
Domestic Airports:
| Airport Name | City | ICAO Code | IATA Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dharavandhoo Airport | Dharavandhoo | VRMD | DRV |
| Fuvahmulah Airport | Fuvahmulah | VRMR | FVM |
| Maavarulu Airport | Maavarulu | VRQM | RUL |
| Ifuru Airport | Ifuru | VREI | IFU |
| Kaadedhdhoo Airport | Kaadedhdhoo | VRMT | KDM |
| Kadhdhoo Airport | Kadhdhoo | VRMK | KDO |
| Kooddoo Airport | Kooddoo | VRMO | GKK |
| Dhaalu Airport | Kudahuvadhoo | VRMU | DDD |
| Thimarafushi Airport | Thimarafushi | VRNT | TMF |
| Kulhudhuffushi Airport | Kulhudhuffushi | VRBK | HDK |
| Madivaru Airport | Madivaru | VRGD | LMV |
| Funadhoo Airport | Funadhoo | VRCF | FND |
| Hoarafushi Airport | Hoarafushi | VRAH | HRF |
| Faresmaathodaa Airport | Faresmaathodaa | VRQF | FMT |
This information is based on the latest available data as of January 2025.
Maldives Airports: Expanding Gateways to Paradise
The Maldives, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, boasts a network of airports that connect its scattered atolls and islands. As of 2025, the Maldives has 18 airports, including four international airports, serving both domestic and international travellers. This impressive number of airports for such a small country reflects the Maldives’ commitment to tourism and accessibility.
These airports play a crucial role in the Maldives’ tourism industry, allowing visitors to reach remote islands and luxury resorts with ease. The main gateway to the country is Velana International Airport, located near the capital city of Malé. From there, tourists can take domestic flights or seaplanes to their final destinations.
For those planning a trip to the Maldives, understanding the airport system can enhance the travel experience. Many resorts offer direct transfers from the main airport, while others may require additional flights or boat rides. The Maldives’ airports are well-equipped to handle the influx of tourists, with some offering duty-free shopping and other amenities to make the journey more enjoyable.
Major International Airports
The Maldives has four key international airports serving tourists and locals. These airports connect the island nation to global destinations and facilitate travel between atolls.
Velana International Airport (Malé)
Velana International Airport is the main gateway to the Maldives. Located on Hulhulé Island near Malé, it handles most international flights. The airport was formerly called Ibrahim Nasir International Airport.
Velana offers modern facilities including:
• A spacious terminal building • Duty-free shops • Restaurants and cafes • Lounges for premium passengers
A seaplane terminal connects visitors to remote resorts. The airport serves as a hub for the national carrier Maldivian and welcomes flights from major international airlines.
Ongoing expansion projects aim to increase capacity and improve services. These include a new runway and a larger international terminal.
Gan International Airport
Gan International Airport is in Addu Atoll, the southernmost atoll of the Maldives. It serves as a vital link for the southern atolls.
The airport features:
• A 3,600-metre runway • International and domestic terminals • Customs and immigration facilities
Gan welcomes flights from Sri Lanka and domestic services. Maldivian and SriLankan Airlines are key operators here.
The airport’s history dates back to its use as a British military base. Today, it plays a crucial role in developing tourism in the southern Maldives.
Maafaru International Airport
Maafaru International Airport opened in 2019 in Noonu Atoll. It caters to the luxury resorts in the northern Maldives.
The airport boasts:
• A 2,200-metre runway • VIP lounges • State-of-the-art navigation systems
Maafaru can handle wide-body aircraft, allowing direct long-haul flights. This capability enhances accessibility for high-end tourists visiting nearby luxury resorts.
The airport’s development aims to boost tourism and economic growth in the northern atolls.
Hanimaadhoo International Airport
Located in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Hanimaadhoo International Airport serves the northern Maldives. It’s an important hub for both domestic and international flights.
Key features include:
• A 1,350-metre runway • Domestic and international terminals • Refuelling facilities
Hanimaadhoo mainly handles flights from South Asia and domestic routes. The airport is crucial for developing tourism in the upper north of the Maldives.
Expansion plans are underway to extend the runway and upgrade facilities. These improvements will allow larger aircraft to land, potentially increasing international traffic.
Domestic Air Travel and Infrastructure
The Maldives has a robust network of airports and airlines connecting its many islands. Air travel is essential for moving between atolls and accessing remote areas quickly.
Network of Domestic Airports
The Maldives has 18 domestic airports spread across its atolls. These airports serve as vital links for locals and tourists alike. Some key domestic airports include:
- Ifuru Airport in Raa Atoll
- Dharavandhoo Airport in Baa Atoll
- Kaadedhdhoo Airport in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll
- Fuvahmulah Airport in Gnaviyani Atoll
Each airport has its own ICAO code and facilities tailored to the needs of its location. Many feature modern amenities like currency exchange services provided by the Bank of Maldives.
Inter-Island Connectivity
Domestic flights are the fastest way to travel between distant atolls. Airlines like Island Aviation Services and Manta Air operate regular services. Options include:
- Scheduled flights on small aircraft
- Seaplane transfers to remote resorts
- Charter flights for flexibility
Speedboats complement air travel for shorter distances. This mix of transport options ensures that even the most secluded islands are accessible.
Airline Services and Facilities
Domestic airlines in the Maldives offer a range of services to suit different needs. Trans Maldivian Airways specialises in seaplane transfers to luxury resorts. Flyme provides scheduled services to many regional airports.
Airport facilities vary but often include:
- Check-in counters
- Waiting areas
- Cafes or small shops
- Basic medical services
The Maldives Airports Company Limited manages many of these facilities, ensuring consistent standards across the network. This infrastructure is crucial for supporting tourism and local travel needs throughout the archipelago.
Frequently Asked Questions
Travellers often have questions about airports in the Maldives. Here are answers to some common queries about the country’s air travel facilities.
What is the international code for Maldives’ main airport?
The international code for the main airport in the Maldives is MLE. This code is used by airlines and booking systems worldwide to identify Velana International Airport.
How many international airports are there in the Maldives?
The Maldives has four international airports. These include Velana International Airport in Malé, as well as airports in Haa Dhaalu, Addu City, and Alifu Dhaalu.
What is the official name of the Maldives’ main international airport?
The official name of the Maldives’ main international airport is Velana International Airport. It was formerly known as Malé International Airport.
Which airport is generally used to fly into for a holiday in the Maldives?
Most holidaymakers fly into Velana International Airport for their Maldives holiday. This airport serves as the primary gateway for international tourists visiting the island nation.
Are Malé International Airport and Velana International Airport the same facility?
Yes, Malé International Airport and Velana International Airport are the same facility. The airport was renamed to Velana International Airport in 2017.
What are the names of the new airports recently opened in the Maldives?
Several new domestic airports have opened in the Maldives in recent years. However, specific information about newly opened airports was not provided in the search results.
