Lois Larson
The Maldives, officially the Republic of Maldives, is an island country in the Indian Ocean with hundreds of coral islands. The country is well-connected through its airports, which serve as a gateway to the country for tourists. The main international airport in the Maldives is Velana International Airport (VIA), also known as Malé-Velana International Airport, located on Hulhulé Island in the southern Malé Atoll. The airport has three terminals and can accommodate large aircraft like the Airbus A380, receiving over 400 flights per day. Other international airports in the Maldives include Villa International Airport, Gan International Airport, and Hanimaadhoo International Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Velana International Airport (VIA), Malé-Velana International Airport, Male Velana International Airport, Malé International Airport, Male Airport |
| Location | Hulhulé Island, Malé Atoll (or Kaafu Atoll) |
| Management | Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), GMR Malé International Airport Ltd (GMIAL) |
| Terminals | 3 |
| Capacity | 7.3 million passengers |
| Year of Inauguration | 1981 (as an international airport) |
| Year of Rebranding | 2017 |
| Number of Flights | 400+ flights per day |
| Aircraft Accommodated | Airbus A380 |
| Runway Length | 3,400 metres (11,155 ft) |
| Runway Width | 60 metres (197 ft) |
| Other Facilities | Shops, restaurants, VIP lounge, seaplane terminal |
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What You'll Learn
Velana International Airport
The airport's history dates back to 19 October 1960, when it first started as a small strip of land on the then-inhabited Hulhulé Island. The first aircraft to land at the airport was a Royal New Zealand Air Force Bristol Freighter, NZ5906, on the same day as its opening. In May 1964, the government and the people of Malé collaborated to construct a new asphalt runway, which was completed and opened on 12 April 1966 by President Ibrahim Nasir. As tourism boomed in the Maldives in 1972, the need for an international-standard airport arose, leading to the expansion of Hulhulé Airport by the International Airports Authority of India. On 11 November 1981, the airport was formally inaugurated as "Malé International Airport".
Over the years, the airport underwent several developments and name changes. On 26 July 2011, it was renamed the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in honour of the second president of the Maldives and the airport's founder. On 1 January 2017, it was rebranded as Velana International Airport, referencing the family house name of President Ibrahim Nasir. This rebranding aligned with the economic vision of the Yameen administration, with India providing significant financial support.
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Gan Airport
Gan International Airport is the second-biggest airport in the Maldives, after Velana International Airport, servicing much of the country's southern atolls. It is capable of accommodating large aircraft, such as the Airbus A320, and has a paved runway designated 10/28 with a concrete surface. The airport lies at an elevation of 6 feet (2 metres) above mean sea level.
In 2012, a joint venture was formed to further develop and expand Gan Airport to international standards, with the aim of promoting tourism and other economic activity in the south of the Maldives. This venture resulted in the renaming of the airport to Gan International Airport (GIA) and the formation of Addu International Airport Private Limited (AIA), which now owns and manages the airport.
As of 2024, Gan International Airport offers regularly scheduled services, with SriLankan Airlines being the only foreign operator using Airbus A320 aircraft. In 2023, Renaatus Projects Pvt Ltd signed a contract with AIA to expand the airport to include larger passenger terminals, a fire station, parking lots, cargo facilities, restaurants, duty-free shops, and a control tower.
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Kulhudhuffushi Airport
The main international airport in the Maldives is Velana International Airport (VIA), also known as Malé-Velana International Airport. It is located on Hulhulé Island in the southern Malé Atoll (or Kaafu Atoll), near the capital island of Malé. The airport is well-connected with major airports worldwide and acts as the primary gateway to the Maldives for tourists. It is the country's biggest airport, receiving over 400 flights daily and accommodating large aircraft like the Airbus A380.
There are several other airports in the Maldives, including two smaller international airports in the northern atolls, one of the country's busiest regions for domestic travel. Gan Airport, the country's second-largest airport, was initially built by the British Army as an airbase during World War II. It now serves much of the southern atolls. Villa International Airport, also known as Villa-Maamigili Airport, is another international airport, although most flights landing there are domestic.
One of the newest airports in the Maldives is Kulhudhuffushi Airport (HDK/VRBK), which opened in 2019 to serve the Haa Dhaalu Atoll. It is located on its own plot of land, providing a convenient travel option for Haa Alif residents, whose previous nearest airport was in Hanimaadhoo. Kulhudhuffushi Airport has a single 1,220-metre runway and a small terminal that welcomes passengers from Dharavandhoo, Ifuru, and Malé.
Other relatively new airports in the Maldives include Funadhoo Airport, which opened in 2020 on a 21-hectare plot, and Ifuru Airport, which is located on its own island and features a 1,200-metre runway capable of handling turboprops.
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Villa International Airport
Although Villa International Airport has international status, most flights that land there are domestic. The airport is conveniently located near several luxury resorts, making it a popular choice for travellers looking to explore the nearby islands. To accommodate the needs of its passengers, the airport features a restaurant and a VIP lounge.
The Maldives has experienced a boom in tourism over the years, and its airports have played a crucial role in accommodating the influx of visitors. With their modern infrastructure and convenient locations, airports like Villa International Airport have contributed to making the Maldives a top holiday destination.
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Thimarafushi Airport
To reach Thimarafushi Airport, passengers must transfer through the country's main international airport, Velana International Airport (VIA), also known as Malé-Velana International Airport. This is because the vast majority of flights landing at Thimarafushi are domestic.
Velana International Airport is the largest airport in the Maldives, welcoming over 400 flights per day. It is located on Hulhulé Island in the southern Malé Atoll, near the capital city of Malé. The airport is well-connected with major airports around the world and serves as the primary gateway to the Maldives for tourists.
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Frequently asked questions
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 southern Malé Atoll.
Villa International Airport, also known as Villa-Maamigili Airport, is an international airport in the Maldives. Gan International Airport, located on Gan Island, is another international airport in the country.
The Thimarafushi Airport, located south of Malé, is a domestic airport serving the Thaa Atoll region. Dharavandhoo Airport, located on Dharavandhoo Island, is another domestic airport in the Maldives. Hanimaadhoo Airport, which previously only served domestic flights, was upgraded to an international airport in 2012.
Male Velana International Airport is a small airport with only one terminal. The airport has a range of shops and facilities, including special assistance services. Check-in starts three hours before departure and closes one hour before departure.
