Jazmin Li
Velana International Airport, also known as Malé International Airport, is the main international airport in the Maldives. It is located on Hulhulé Island in the North Malé Atoll, just a 10-minute ferry or taxi ride from the capital city of Malé. The airport is well-equipped to cater to tourists, with various amenities and services. The compact airport has a single runway and three terminals: the International Terminal, the Domestic Terminal, and the Seaplane Terminal. With over 99% of tourist arrivals to the Maldives passing through, it is the primary international gateway to the country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Velana International Airport, Malé-Velana International Airport, Malé International Airport, Ibrahim Nasir International Airport |
| Location | Hulhulé Island, North Malé Atoll, Maldives |
| Year opened | 1960 |
| First commercial flight | 1962 |
| Distance from Malé | 10-13 minutes by taxi |
| Distance from Hulhumalé | 10-12 minutes by taxi |
| Number of runways | 1 asphalt runway and 4 water runways |
| Number of terminals | 3 (International, Domestic, and Seaplane) or 4 |
| Services | Luggage storage, tourist information, post office, pharmacy, clinic, ATMs, currency exchange booths |
| Amenities | Resort concierges, private resort lounges, resort speedboat transfers, fast food eateries, coffee shops, duty-free and souvenir shops |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Velana International Airport is the main airport in the Maldives
- The airport is located on Hulhulé Island in the North Malé Atoll
- It is a 10-minute ferry or taxi ride from the capital city of Malé
- The airport was previously known as Malé International Airport
- It is well-equipped to cater to arriving and departing resort guests
Velana International Airport is the main airport in the Maldives
Velana International Airport, also known as Malé International Airport, is the main airport in the Maldives. It is located on Hulhulé Island in the North Malé Atoll, close to the capital city of Malé. The airport is the only international airport in the country, serving as the primary gateway for tourists visiting the Maldives.
The airport is compact, with a single runway, and is well-equipped to cater to arriving and departing resort guests. Resort concierges, private resort lounges, and resort speedboat transfers are available, along with fast-food eateries, coffee shops, and duty-free and souvenir shops. The airport also offers essential services such as tourist information, a post office, a pharmacy, and a clinic. ATMs and currency exchange booths are available, although resorts generally accept credit cards, US dollars, and euros.
Velana International Airport has a rich history, dating back to 19 October 1960, when it first began as a small strip of land on the uninhabited Hulhulé Island. The airport has undergone several name changes over the years. On 26 July 2011, it was renamed the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport to honour the 2nd President of the Maldives and founder of the airport. On 1 January 2017, it was rebranded as Velana International Airport, referencing the family house name of President Ibrahim Nasir.
The airport has continued to develop and expand its infrastructure. In 2018, a new runway was constructed to accommodate larger aircraft. This runway was inaugurated in 2018 but was only utilised for scheduled flights in 2022 after ensuring compliance with international standards. The adjacent waterdrome serves the large seaplane operations at Velana, with designated takeoff and landing runways. The airport has three terminals: the International Terminal, the Domestic Terminal, and the waterdrome Seaplane Terminal.
Trump's Pennridge Airport Visit: What We Know So Far
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport is located on Hulhulé Island in the North Malé Atoll
Velana International Airport (VIA), also known as Malé-Velana International Airport, is the main international airport in the Maldives. It is located on Hulhulé Island in the North Malé Atoll, close to the capital island of Malé. The airport is well-connected to major airports worldwide and acts as the primary gateway to the Maldives for tourists. Hulhulé Island is accessible from Malé via the 2.1-kilometre Sinamalé Bridge, which was opened to the public on 30 August 2018. The island is considered a ward of Malé and has no permanent population.
Hulhulé Island holds cultural significance as the former home of the aboriginal Giraavaru people and other settlers before the airport's construction. In 1968, due to an Islamic regulation, the Giraavaru people were forced to leave their ancestral home and were relocated to Hulhulé Island. As the airport expanded, they were eventually moved to the Maafannu district of Malé.
Velana International Airport, with its single runway, is known for its compact design. The airport offers essential services such as tourist information, a post office, a pharmacy, and a clinic. Additionally, there are ATMs and currency exchange booths available for travellers' convenience. Various dining and shopping options are available, including fast-food eateries, coffee shops, and souvenir shops. Resort concierges and lounges are also present, catering to the needs of arriving and departing guests.
The airport has a rich history, initially starting as a small strip of land on the inhabited Hulhulé Island. On 19 October 1960, Hulhulé Airport was inaugurated, marking the beginning of its aviation journey. The first runway was constructed using slotted steel sheets, measuring 75 feet by 3,000 feet. The first aircraft to land at the airport was a Royal New Zealand Air Force Bristol Freighter on the day of its opening. Over the years, the airport has undergone expansions and improvements, including the construction of a new asphalt runway in 1964 and the addition of a new runway in 2018 to accommodate larger aircraft.
Chicago Airport Smoking Areas: Where to Light Up?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is a 10-minute ferry or taxi ride from the capital city of Malé
Velana International Airport, also known as Malé International Airport, is located on a separate island, Hulhulé Island, in the North Malé Atoll or Kaafu Atoll. It is the only international airport in the Maldives, serving over 99% of tourist arrivals to the country. The airport is well-connected to major airports worldwide and acts as the primary gateway for tourists visiting the Maldives.
The capital city of Malé is just a short distance from the airport. Indeed, it is a mere 10-minute ferry or taxi ride away. The city is an unusual sight, appearing to rise out of the ocean. Covering an area of 3 square miles, Malé is densely packed with buildings and has a population of around 216,000 people. It offers a range of restaurants, cafes, and notable tourist attractions, such as the National Museum and the Hukuru Miskiy, a mosque constructed from coral stones in 1658.
The proximity of the airport to Malé makes it convenient for travellers to explore the city during layovers. For those with longer layovers, luggage storage services are available at the airport, allowing visitors to venture out and experience what the capital has to offer. The compact nature of Malé makes it ideal for a leisurely stroll, with a variety of eateries and cultural landmarks within walking distance.
In addition to the ferry and taxi services connecting the airport and Malé, there is also a 1.3 km long bridge linking the two. This bridge provides an alternative mode of transportation and contributes to the ease of access between the airport and the capital city.
The journey time between the airport and Malé is not only convenient for travellers but also ensures efficient access to essential services. Malé, as the economic hub of the country, plays a crucial role in facilitating business activities and providing various amenities. Furthermore, it is the central location for major healthcare services, making it easily accessible for locals and tourists alike.
Allegiant's Virginia Airports: A Comprehensive Overview
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![[Pack 2] tag8 Swiss Flag Tag Smart Bag tag |Trendy Luggage tag ID Identification | Suitcase Tag | Fashionable Digital Name tag | Airline Compliant, SITA World Tracer Code Enabled | Gift idea](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/614nC3d6G6L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
The airport was previously known as Malé International Airport
Velana International Airport, also known as Malé-Velana International Airport, is the main international airport in the Maldives. It is located on Hulhulé Island in the southern Malé Atoll (or Kaafu Atoll), close to the capital island of Malé. The airport is the primary international gateway to the Maldives, serving over 99% of tourist arrivals to the country.
The airport first started as a small strip of land on the then-uninhabited island of Hulhulé. Hulhulé Airport opened on 19 October 1960, and the first aircraft to land there was a Royal New Zealand Air Force Bristol Freighter, NZ5906, at 13:55 hrs. The first commercial flight was an Air Ceylon flight (Avro 748; 4R-ACJ) that landed on 10 April 1962 at 15:50 hrs. In May 1964, the government and the people of Malé worked together to construct a new asphalt runway, which opened on 12 April 1966. The new runway was built to accommodate larger aircraft and was inaugurated in September 2018.
Velana International Airport is a compact airport with a single runway. It is well-equipped to cater to arriving and departing resort guests, with resort concierges, private resort lounges, and resort speedboat transfers. The airport also offers a range of fast-food eateries, coffee shops, and duty-free and souvenir shops. Various amenities are available, including tourist information, a post office, a pharmacy, a clinic, and ATMs.
Uber at Stockholm Airport: Pickups and Availability
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is well-equipped to cater to arriving and departing resort guests
Velana International Airport, also known as Malé International Airport, is the only international airport in the Maldives. It is located on Hulhulé Island, just half a mile (one kilometre) from the capital city of Malé, which is set on an island of the same name.
Being the main entry point for visitors to the Maldives, the airport is well-equipped to cater to arriving and departing resort guests. From resort concierges to private resort lounges, the airport offers a range of amenities to ensure a smooth transition for travellers.
Each resort has a check-in kiosk in the arrivals hall, where guests are greeted by representatives who guide them through the transfer process. Resort speedboat transfers are also available, and many guests of the upmarket resorts transfer to their destinations via speedboat or seaplane. The airport has three terminals: the International Terminal, the Domestic Terminal, and the Seaplane Terminal for inter-island and resort seaplane transfers. The seaplane terminal is located far from the other terminals, and access is restricted. To get there, passengers need to visit the seaplane counter at the international terminal, from where a bus or private vehicle is arranged.
The airport also has a selection of fast-food outlets, coffee shops, and duty-free and souvenir shops. There are a few lounge choices, many of which are affiliated with high-end resorts. Alcohol is illegal in most of the Maldives, so it is unavailable in the airport.
Other facilities include ATMs and currency exchange booths, a post office, a pharmacy, and a clinic. Most services at the airport are closed between midnight and 6 a.m.
Alice Springs Airport: Does It Exist?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Velana International Airport is also known as Malé-Velana International Airport and is the main international airport in the Maldives. It is located on Hulhulé Island in the southern Malé Atoll, close to the capital island of Malé.
The capital city of Malé is a 10-13 minute taxi or ferry ride from the airport. The taxi costs $10 each way.
The airport has the usual facilities, including a post office, a pharmacy, a clinic, and ATMs. There is also a luggage storage service, tourist information, and a variety of shops and eateries.
