Maldives Airport Details and Distances to Resorts
by Harley
Mon Jun 29 2026
The Maldives currently has 12 operating airports, including 4 international airports. The primary gateway to the country is Velana International Airport (often called Malé International Airport), located on Hulhulé Island, just a 10-minute car ride from the capital city, Malé.
Another major international airport is Gan International Airport, situated on Gan Island in Addu Atoll, serving the southernmost atolls. For travelers taking domestic flights, each airport provides access to nearby islands and resorts, making it convenient to reach destinations across the Maldives without relying solely on boats or seaplanes.
International Airports in the Maldives
Velana International Airport – MLE
Velana International Airport is the primary gateway to the Maldives. Originally opened in the 1960s as Malé International Airport, it was renamed Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in 2008 and later rebranded on 1st January 2017 to its current name, Velana International Airport.
The airport is located on Hulhulé Island, just off the capital city Malé, and is connected to Hulhumalé by road. A network of taxis and shuttle buses operates throughout the day and into the night. The capital city itself is accessible via frequent ferry services.
The main airport of the Maldives is Velana International Airport. Over 90% of international flights arrive here, so when “Maldives Airport” is mentioned without specifying another regional airport, it is generally understood to mean Velana. The airport is also commonly called Male Airport, and some locals refer to it as Hulhulé Airport after the island it is located on. Its ICAO code is VRMM and IATA code is MLE.
Maldives Airport Fast Track Service for Tourists
For those staying at 5-star resorts in the Maldives, booking the Maldives airport fast track service is highly recommended. This service helps you skip the immigration queue, which can sometimes keep you waiting for an hour or more, especially during busy hours. By using this service, you can proceed directly to the VIP lounge, where a limousine awaits you at the flight stairs.
A dedicated airport host will collect your passport, handle the immigration processing on your behalf, and even pick up your baggage from the baggage claim. You also have the option to forgo the limousine and opt for a shared VIP vehicle, depending on your preference.
About the Maldives Airport
The primary international gateway to the Maldives is Velana International Airport, located on Hulhulé Island, near the capital, Malé. This airport handles over 90% of international flights to the Maldives. It's often referred to as Malé Airport, but the official name is Velana International Airport. If you're flying into the Maldives, unless specified otherwise, it's almost certainly this airport.
The ICAO code for Velana International Airport is VRMM, and the IATA code is MLE.
Maafaru International Airport - NMF
Maafaru International Airport, completed in 2020, is the Maldives’ second most prominent international airport. Located on Maafaru Island in Noonu Atoll, about 180 km north of Malé, the airport was developed to support the region’s fast-growing tourism market. The domestic carrier Maldivian (Island Aviation Services) operates daily flights from Malé with convenient connections to and from Hanimaadhoo. Many flights combine Maafaru and Hanimaadhoo sectors, and may occasionally include short stops at Ifuru or Dharavandhoo, depending on passenger load and aircraft type. At VRDA, our FBO provides full-service support including landing permits, parking reservations, refueling, in-flight catering, and a wide range of bespoke services for private jets and charters.
Since opening, Maafaru has become a preferred arrival point for private jets and luxury charters, thanks to its proximity to some of the Maldives’ most exclusive resorts. World-renowned properties such as Cheval Blanc Randheli, Velaa Private Island, and Soneva Jani are just minutes away by speedboat. High-net-worth travelers can land at Maafaru, park their jet, and effortlessly transfer to their private island retreat, where barefoot luxury, complete privacy, and exceptional Maldivian hospitality await.
To accommodate growing demand, the airport terminal has been upgraded and its facilities expanded, with the intention of introducing scheduled international flights in the near future. While Noonu Atoll is famous for its ultra-luxury resorts, it also features more accessible five-star options such as The Sun Siyam Irufushi and Robinson Club Noonu. Travelers seeking four-star resorts can easily access neighboring Lhaviyani Atoll, home to iconic properties including Kuredu Island Resort—reachable in about 45 minutes by speedboat—along with several other high-quality resorts.
Flights and Accessibility
The domestic airline Maldivian, operated by Island Aviation Services, offers daily flights from Malé to Maafaru, with easy connections to Hanimaadhoo. Most of the flights between these islands are combined, although occasional stopovers at smaller islands, such as Ifuru or Dharavandhoo, may occur, depending on seat availability and flight size.
For private jet travelers, Maafaru provides top-tier FBO services, catering to every need, including landing permits, parking reservations, refueling, in-flight catering, and more. Whether you're arriving on a commercial charter or private jet, Maafaru ensures a smooth and hassle-free arrival experience.
Luxury Resorts and Exclusive Getaways
Maafaru is surrounded by some of the Maldives' most exclusive and luxurious resorts. Cheval Blanc Randheli,Velaa Private Island, and Soneva Jani are just a short distance from the airport, making it incredibly convenient for high-end travelers. Once they land, guests can park their jets and take a quick speedboat ride to their resort, where they can enjoy pristine beaches, privacy, and unparalleled luxury. The Maldives is truly a paradise where visitors can escape to their own private sanctuaries, with personal Maldivian butlers ensuring that every need is met.
Noonu Atoll, where Maafaru is located, is renowned for its luxury tourism offerings. However, there are also more affordable 5-star resorts in the area, such as The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi and Robinson Club Noonu, that provide excellent options for travelers seeking a more budget-conscious, yet still luxurious, experience.
Nearby Resorts
The airport's location offers easy access to several high-end resorts, each offering a unique experience:
Soneva Jani – Just 7 miles from Maafaru
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi – 10 miles away
Velaa Private Island – 17 miles from Maafaru
Noku Maldives – Only 7 miles away
These resorts are known for their stunning beaches, exceptional service, and world-class facilities, making Maafaru an ideal destination for those seeking an ultra-luxury Maldivian getaway.
Hanimaadhoo International Airport - HAQ
In Haa Alifu Atoll, Hanimaadhoo is located in the northernmost part of the Maldives. The construction of the new terminal and extended runway began in 2023, and the airport is now completed and fully operational. With the new terminal and runway, the airport boasts better facilities and is expected to become a key hub in the region, with frequent flights from India. The airport’s ICAO code is VRMH, and the extended runway now accommodates larger aircraft.
The closest resorts include:
• Hideaway Beach & Spa Resort - 10 miles from airport
• JA Manafaru - 23 miles from airport
Gan International Airport - GAN
Addu is the southern end of the Maldives and the international airport is located in the island of Gan. It is 336 miles from Male' Internatoinal Airport. Closes local islands are Feydhoo and Maradhoo which connects many other islands by a course way called Link Road. Equator Village is a city hotel in Gan. There are 2 resorts in this atoll.
• Shangri-la Maldives Vilingili - 1 mile from airport ( Opening January 2026)
• Canareef at Herathera - 6 miles from airport
Domestic Airports In Maldives
Ifuru Airport - IFU
The airport is located in Raa Atoll, next to the Atoll capital Ungoofaaru. It is 110 miles from Male' International Airport. The closest resorts include:
• Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa - 17.65 miles from airport
• JOALI Maldives - 8.5 miles from airport
• Furaveri Maldives
• The Standard, Maldives
• Heritance Aarah
• The Standard, Maldives
• Reethi Faru Resort
• Alila Kothaifaru Maldives - 17.7 miles from airport
•Dhigali Maldives- 16.84 miles from airport
Dharavandhoo Airport - DRV
In Baa Atoll, Dharavandhoo is Maalhos and Dhonfanu island. The atoll capital Eydhafushi is third closes local island. Dharavandhoo is 72 miles from Male' International Airport in Hulhule' island. The closest resort include:
Milaidhoo Maldives
• Kihaad Maldives - 4 miles from airport
• Dusit Thani - 5 miles from airport
• Amilla Maldives- 5 miles from airport
• Reethi Beach - 7 miles from airport
• Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru - 9 miles from airport
• Royal Island - 5 miles from airport
• Soneva Fushi - 5 miles from airport
• Coco Dhunikolhu - 19 miles from airport
• The Nautilus Maldives - 4 miles from airport
•Niyama Private Islands- 19 miles from airport
•Finolhu- 19 miles from airport
Maamigili Airport - VAM
Located in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, more commonly known as South Ari Atoll, Maamigili is next to local island of Dhidhdhoo. Unlike other atolls the island capital Mahibadhoo is quite far from airport. Closest resorts include:
• Villa Haven - half mile from airport
• Villa Park - 2 miles from airport
• Lux Maldives - 4 miles from airport
• Kudarah Island Resort - 8 miles from airport
•Nova Maldives - 8 miles from airport
• Centra Grand - 9 miles from airport
• Vilamendhoo - 14 miles from airport
• LiLy Beach - 15 miles from airport
• Angaga - 12 miles from airport
• Mirihi- 11 miles from airport
• Conrad - 13 miles from airport
Thimarafushi Airport - TMF
Located in Thaa Atoll, Thimarafushi is a local island with a domestic airport. The island is situated approximately 140 miles from Malé International Airport. The closest local islands include Gaadhiffushi, Kibidhoo, Omadhoo, and Hirilandhoo, while other islands in the atoll are located farther away.
There is only one resort in the atoll, which is:
• Maalifushi by COMO - 12 miles from airport
Kadhdhoo Airport - KDO
Located in Laamu Atoll, just next to Thaa Atoll, Kadhdhoo is close to the atoll capital Fonadhoo, as well as Gan and Gaadhoo. There are several other local islands spread across the atoll. Kadhdhoo Airport is approximately 160 miles from Malé International Airport.
The only resort in the atoll is:
• Six Senses Laamu - 8 miles from airport
Kooddoo Airport - GKK
Located in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Kooddoo is situated near the atoll capital Vilingili and the local island Maamendhoo. Kooddoo is approximately 240 miles from Malé International Airport.
There are 4 resorts in the atoll, offering a range of high-end accommodations and amenities.
• The Residence at Falhumaafushi - 4 miles from airport
• Robinson Club Maldives Funamadua - 22 4 miles from airport
• Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa - 16 4 miles from airport
•The Halcyon Private Isles (Marriott)- 26 4 miles from airport
Kaadedhdhoo Airport - KDM
This airport island is located in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, with the closest local islands being Thinadhoo, Madaveli, and Hoadedhdhoo.
The resorts in this atoll include:
• Outtigger Konotta - 11 miles from airport
• Ayada Maldives at Maguhdhuvaa - 30 miles from airport
Fuvahmulah Airport - FMV
This is the only single island atoll in the Maldives, it has its own domestic airport. Some guesthouses and small hotels exist in the island, there is no resort. Fuvahmulah airport is 308 miles from Male' International Airport.
