Flights to Maldives

The Maldives is served primarily through Velana International Airport (MLE) on Malé. Air connectivity varies by origin: many major hubs offer direct or one-stop connections. Below is a concise, practical guide to routes, airlines, travel times and booking tips from each continent to help you plan your journey.

Asia has the strongest connectivity to Male (MLE). Direct flights operate from regional hubs such as Colombo (SriLankan Airlines), Singapore (Singapore Airlines), Bangkok (Thai Airways / low-cost carriers), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia Airlines / low-cost carriers), and several Indian gateway cities (Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru) via both full-service and budget carriers.

Typical flight times:

• Colombo → Malé: ~1–1.5 hours (frequent options)
• Singapore → Malé: ~4 hours
• Bangalore / Chennai → Malé: ~2–3 hours

From Europe you’ll usually fly via the Gulf or South Asia hubs. Airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, and Lufthansa (via partners) offer one-stop itineraries to Malé. Direct nonstop services from Europe are limited; most routes route through Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul or Colombo.

Typical flight times (including one stop):

• London → Malé (via Doha/Dubai): ~12–15 hours total
• Paris / Frankfurt → Malé (via Middle East): ~12–16 hours

Flights from Africa commonly connect via Middle East hubs (Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi) or via Nairobi and Addis Ababa for some eastern African cities. Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines facilitate regional connections, while Gulf carriers provide broad coverage.

Typical examples:

• Nairobi → Malé (via Doha/Dubai or Addis): ~9–14 hours total
• Cape Town / Lagos → Malé (via Middle East): ~13–20 hours

Australia and New Zealand travelers often connect through Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Gulf hubs. Singapore Airlines, Qantas (partner itineraries), and regionals combine to reach Malé with a single connection in many cases.

Typical flight times:

• Sydney / Melbourne → Malé (via Singapore/Dubai): ~14–18 hours
• Auckland → Malé (usually two stops): ~20+ hours

Travelers from the Americas should expect at least one long-haul flight to a European or Middle Eastern hub followed by a connection to Malé. Common routings go through Doha, Dubai, or Istanbul. West Coast travelers may route via Asia-Pacific hubs (e.g., Singapore).

Typical flight times:

• New York → Malé (via Middle East/Europe): ~18–24 hours
• Los Angeles → Malé (via Asia or Middle East): ~20–28 hours
• São Paulo → Malé (typically two stops): ~24+ hours

• Book 2–4 months ahead for peak season (Nov–Apr) to secure seats and better fares.
• Check flight combinations across alliance partners — sometimes mixing carriers yields faster or cheaper itineraries.
• Allow sufficient minimum connection time when your transfer includes domestic seaplane or speedboat schedules (seaplane transfers operate only in daylight).
• Expect additional domestic transfer fees for seaplane transfers; many resorts include or pre-book transfers for guests.
• Consider flexible fares if your itinerary includes multiple islands or internal connections.
• Monitor baggage allowance differences between carriers — low-cost segments may have restrictive checked baggage rules.