Roberta Aguirre
The Maldives is a small South Asian country with around 1,200 islands, of which only 200 are inhabited. The country has 18 airports in total, with 4 international airports and 86 domestic airports. The airports in the Maldives are well-maintained and equipped with several amenities, making them a lifeline for travellers. One of the best airports to visit in the Maldives is the Velana International Airport, also known as the Ibrahim/Malé/Hulhule International Airport. It is the country's largest airport, accommodating over 400 flights daily and serving as the gateway to the Maldives. Another major airport is the Hanimaadhoo Airport, which serves as both an international and domestic airport with a single runway.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of airports | 15 or 18 |
| Main international airport | Velana International Airport (VIA), also known as Malé-Velana International Airport, Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, or Hulhule International Airport |
| Location of main international airport | Hulhulé Island in the southern Malé Atoll (or Kaafu Atoll) |
| Management of main international airport | Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) |
| Number of terminals at main international airport | 3 |
| Capacity of main international airport | 7.3 million passengers |
| Other international airports | Gan International Airport, Hanimaadhoo Airport, Maafaru International Airport, Fuvahmuah Airport |
| Number of international airports | 4 or 5 |
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What You'll Learn
- Velana International Airport, Malé's gateway to the Maldives
- Gan International Airport, a former WWII airbase
- Hanimaadhoo Airport, access to the Maldives' northernmost atolls
- Maafaru International Airport, one of the biggest runways in the Maldives
- Fuvahmuah Airport, one of the southernmost airports in the Maldives
Velana International Airport, Malé's gateway to the Maldives
The Republic of Maldives is an island country in the Indian Ocean, comprising a double chain of 26 atolls, 1,192 islets, of which 200 are inhabited. Its capital and largest city is Malé. The Maldives is renowned for its idyllic beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts.
Velana International Airport, widely known as Malé Airport, is the main international gateway to the islands of the Maldives. It is situated on Hulhulé Island, a short distance from the capital city, Malé. The airport is well connected with major airports around the world, mostly serving as the main gateway into the country for tourists. It is managed financially and administratively by a state-owned company known as the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).
The airport first started out as a small airstrip on the then-uninhabited island of Hulhulé in 1960. The first aircraft to land at the airport was a Royal New Zealand Air Force Bristol Freighter on 19 October 1960 at 13:55 hrs. The first commercial flight was an Air Ceylon flight, which landed on 10 April 1962. In May 1964, the government and the people of Malé worked together to construct a new asphalt runway, which was opened on 12 April 1966. When the tourism boom in the Maldives began in 1972, the country was in need of an international-standard airport to transport international tourists to the resort islands. The airport underwent its first major expansion in the 1980s with the construction of a new terminal to cater to the increasing number of international flights. In 1981, the airport was given the status of an international airport and named Malé International Airport.
Over the years, as the Maldives gained popularity as a top tourist destination, the need for a more modern and expansive airport became evident. In 2017, the airport underwent a significant transformation, with the construction of a new runway, the expansion of the international terminal, and the introduction of advanced technology to enhance the passenger experience. The airport was renamed Velana International Airport, referring to the family house name of President Ibrahim Nasir, the second President of the Maldives, who played a significant role in the nation's development. The renaming marked a new era in Maldivian aviation, reflecting the country's commitment to tourism and economic growth.
The airport includes the corporate headquarters of Trans Maldivian Airways. The Maldives Seaplane Terminal, located at the airport, serves as the gateway to some of the most luxurious and remote resorts in the Maldives. Offering breathtaking aerial views of the archipelago's stunning atolls and turquoise waters, this terminal is a hub for travellers seeking quick and scenic transfers to their island destinations. The modern facilities include comfortable lounges, dining options, and personalised services, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all travellers.
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Gan International Airport, a former WWII airbase
The Maldives has 18 airports in total, with Velana International Airport (VIA) being the main international airport. However, one airport with a fascinating history is Gan International Airport, a former World War II airbase.
Gan International Airport is located on Gan Island, the southernmost island of Addu Atoll, which is part of the larger group of islands that form the Maldives in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The area was originally established as a military base for the Royal Navy in 1941, with Royal Navy engineers constructing airstrips on the island from crushed coral. During World War II, in 1942, Gan Island became a base for the Royal Air Force (RAF), known as RAF Gan. It served as a secondary base for Trincomalee, Ceylon, and was extensively used as a stopover and staging post for bombers, fighters, and transports en route to Singapore and other destinations in East Asia during the late 1950s and 1960s.
In the early 1970s, the United Kingdom began withdrawing its commitments east of the Suez, and by the end of 1971, the RAF Far East Air Force was disbanded, reducing the need for the Gan airbase. The base was handed back to the Maldivian Government in 1976, and most of it was left to fall into disrepair. Over time, with subtle development, the airfield was transformed into a civilian airport, now known as Gan International Airport.
The airport is currently operated by Addu International Pvt. Ltd. and has been expanded to include bigger passenger terminals, a fire station, parking lots, cargo facilities, restaurants, duty-free shops, and a control tower. Gan International Airport is capable of accommodating large aircraft, with a paved runway that has been extended in length to 3,600 by 45 meters (11,811 by 148 feet).
For those interested in the history of Gan Island and seeking a secluded getaway, a visit to Gan International Airport and its beach is a unique experience. The former military buildings have been converted into rooms and facilities for a tourist resort called Equator Village, offering a blend of historical and leisure attractions.
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Hanimaadhoo Airport, access to the Maldives' northernmost atolls
Hanimaadhoo International Airport is located on the island of Hanimaadhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, in the northern part of the Maldives. It is one of three international airports in the country, the other two being Velana International Airport and Gan International Airport. Hanimaadhoo Airport opened as a domestic airport and was upgraded to an international airport in 2012 with the introduction of direct flights to Thiruvananthapuram in India. It is at an elevation of 3 feet (1 metre) above sea level and has a single runway measuring 1,220 by 30 metres (4,003 feet by 98 feet).
The airport provides access to the northernmost atolls of the Maldives, including Haa Alifu and Haa Dhaalu. It is geographically part of the Thiladhummathi Atoll. Hanimaadhoo offers daily domestic flights from Malé and Dharavandhoo airport, as well as international flights from Thiruvananthapuram, India.
There are plans to expand Hanimaadhoo Airport with a new terminal and an extended runway capable of receiving long-haul aircraft. The expansion project is backed by the Export-Import Bank of India.
Travelling to the next closest airport in Haa Dhaalu Atoll's Hanimaadhoo requires an hour-long journey across the often choppy waters of Gallandhoo Kandu. Therefore, Hanimaadhoo Airport is a convenient option for those travelling to the northernmost atolls of the Maldives.
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Maafaru International Airport, one of the biggest runways in the Maldives
The Republic of the Maldives is an island country in the Indian Ocean, comprising a double chain of 26 atolls, stretching in a north–south direction off India's Lakshadweep islands. With 1,192 islets, of which 200 are inhabited, the Maldives is one of the most disparate countries in the world. The capital and largest city, Malé, is served by the country's main international airport, Velana International Airport. However, there are 18 airports in the Maldives in total, and Maafaru International Airport is another important aviation hub.
Maafaru International Airport is located on Maafaru island. The airport has been the focus of a major expansion project, which has included extending the runway to 2,800 metres (some sources state 2,200 metres). The expansion enables the airport to accommodate larger aircraft, including the Airbus A320, Boeing 737, and Boeing 777. The project has also included an apron expansion, which will increase parking capacity from 13 to 26 jets, and the addition of two new taxiways.
The airport expansion has been controversial, with the Maldivian Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) halting the project in December 2019 and rejecting the Environmental Impact Assessment. The project would have affected 22,000 trees, a significant portion of the island's vegetation, and the island is also known for sea turtle nesting. The project faced opposition from environmentalists, with the hashtag #SaveMaafaru being used to campaign against the expansion.
Despite the controversy, Maafaru International Airport is an important gateway for high-end travellers seeking exclusive resort experiences in the Maldives. The airport's popularity is growing, with 353 jets landing there in 2023, an increase of 125 compared to 2022. With its enhanced infrastructure, Maafaru International Airport is set to play a key role in the country's tourism industry, appealing to international visitors and positioning itself as a prime entry point for the northern atolls.
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Fuvahmuah Airport, one of the southernmost airports in the Maldives
The Maldives is an island country in the Indian Ocean, comprising 1,192 islands spread over roughly 90,000 square kilometres. With 18 airports and counting, the country is well-connected, making it easier for travellers to get around.
One of the southernmost airports in the Maldives is Fuvahmuah Airport, also known as Gn. Fuvahmulah airport. This airport serves the Gaaf Alif Atoll. While it is one of the more remote airports in the country, it is not the most southerly. That title goes to Gan International Airport, which is located in Addu (Seenu) Atoll on Gan Island and is the main gateway to Southern Maldives. Gan Airport was built by the British Army as an air force base during World War II and is now the Maldives’ second-biggest airport.
Velana International Airport (VIA) is the country's biggest airport and is often referred to as 'the gateway to the Maldives'. It is located on Hulhule Island, just 10 minutes by ferry from the capital city of Malé. The airport welcomes over 400 flights a day and can accommodate large aircraft like the Airbus A380. From here, travellers can reach any other island in the country by transferring onto another commercial flight, a seaplane, or a boat.
Other notable airports in the Maldives include Maafaru International Airport, which opened in 2019 to accommodate larger aircraft, and Hanimaadhoo International Airport, which gained international status in 2012 with the introduction of direct flights to Thiruvananthapuram in India.
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Frequently asked questions
The main airport in the Maldives is the Male International Airport, also known as Velana International Airport. It is located on Hulhule Island, near the capital city of Malé.
You can get to your resort from the airport by speedboat or seaplane. These can be booked through your travel agent or resort.
Yes, there are four international airports in the Maldives and 12 domestic airports. The other international airports include Gan International Airport, Hanimaadhoo International Airport, and Villa International Airport.
To get between islands in the Maldives, you can take a dhoni, the local boat, or a speedboat.
