The Maldives is served by several domestic airports scattered across its numerous atolls, making inter-island travel convenient and efficient. Key domestic airports include Dharavandhoo Airport in the Baa Atoll, Kooddoo Airport in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, and Ifuru Airport in the Raa Atoll. These airports facilitate smooth domestic transfers between the islands, allowing travellers to reach their resorts and explore different parts of the country with ease.
The domestic terminal at Malé's Velana International Airport is just two minutes from the arrivals gate and serves as a vital hub for inter-island travel within the Maldives. Designed to facilitate smooth and efficient transfers, the terminal is equipped with modern amenities to ensure passenger comfort. It features spacious waiting areas, check-in counters, and several lounges where travellers can relax before their flights. The terminal also provides essential services such as baggage handling, customer service desks, and refreshment kiosks. With its well-organised layout and attentive staff, the domestic terminal ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing visitors to transition seamlessly to their domestic flights and continue their journey to the beautiful islands of the Maldives.
Three domestic flight operators, Maldivian Airlines, FlyMe (Villa Air), and Manta Air, provide reliable and frequent services across the Maldives.
Maldivian Airlines, the national carrier and leading domestic airline of the Maldives, connects major atolls with multiple daily flights, ensuring timely travel options for both locals and tourists. They offer regular flights to all domestic airports across the Maldives, with the exception of Villa International Airport on Maamigili Island in the South Ari Atoll and Dhaalu Airport on Kudahuvadhoo Island in the Dhaalu Atoll.
Maldivian owns air-conditioned ATR-72 and ATR42 turboprop aircraft, as well as Dash 8-200 and Dash 8-300 aircraft, all known for their robust design, advanced safety features, and reliable performance.
FlyMe, operated by the Villa Group (also known as Villa Air), serves two routes with a focus on delivering a comfortable and efficient travel experience. They offer regular flights between Malé and two nearby airports: Dharavandhoo in the Baa Atoll and their own airport, Villa International Airport on Maamigili Island in the South Ari Atoll. FlyMe operates air-conditioned ATR-72 turboprop aircraft, the same planes used by many domestic carriers worldwide, known for their proven track record of reliability and performance.
Manta Air, renowned for its seaplane fleet as well as domestic services, offers regular flights between Malé and three key airports: Dharavandhoo Airport in the Baa Atoll, Hoarafushi Airport in the Haa Alifu Atoll, and Dhaalu Airport on Kudahuvadhoo Island in the Dhaalu Atoll.
Manta Air operates air-conditioned ATR72-600 turboprop aircraft, which are renowned for their low greenhouse gas emissions and unparalleled fuel efficiency. This commitment to environmentally friendly operations, combined with reliable service, often makes Manta Air a preferred choice for resorts in these three stunning Maldives' atolls.
Airport | Airport Code | Atoll | Time from MLE |
---|---|---|---|
Dharavandhoo Airport | DRV | Baa | 20 minutes |
Villa International Airport | VAM | Alifu Dhaalu | 30 minutes |
Ifuru Airport | IFU | Raa | 35 minutes |
Dhaalu Airport | DDD | Dhaalu | 35 minutes |
Maafaru International Airport | NMF | Noonu | 40 minutes |
Funadhoo Airport | FND | Shaviyani | 40 minutes |
Thimarafushi Airport | TMF | Thaa | 40 minutes |
Madivaru Airport | LMV | Lhaviyani | 40 minutes |
Kadhdhoo Airport | KDO | Laamu | 45 minutes |
Kulhuduffushi Airport | HDK | Haa Dhaalu | 50 minutes |
Hanimadhoo International Airport | HAQ | Haa Dhaalu | 50 minutes |
Hoarafushi Airport | HRF | Haa Alifu | 70 minutes |
Koodoo Airport | GKK | Gaafu Alifu | 70 minutes |
Maavarulu Airport | RUL | Gaafu Dhaalu | 75 minutes |
Kaadedhoo Airport | KDM | Gaafu Dhaalu | 75 minutes |
Faresmaathoda Airport | FMT | Gaafu Dhaalu | 80 minutes |
Fuvahmulaku Airport | FVM | Ganviyani | 90 minutes |
Gan International Airport | GAN | Addu | 95 minutes |