Dharavandhoo Airport

Dharavandhoo Airport is not merely a transit point, but a true aerial gateway to the heart of the Maldives' only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Landing here feels like a scene from an adventure film: the runway seems to emerge from the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, promising an unforgettable start to your holiday. This cosy air terminal serves one of the archipelago's most picturesque atolls, offering travellers an immediate immersion into a tropical paradise atmosphere right after stepping off the plane.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Dharavandhoo Airport plays a key role in the tourism logistics of Baa Atoll. Its main advantage is its unique location. It is situated just a few minutes by speedboat from the famous Hanifaru Bay, a gathering place for manta rays and whale sharks. For many divers and snorkelling enthusiasts, the journey to their dream destination begins right here.

The flight from Velana International Airport (Male) takes just 20 minutes, yet this short trip is often described as a separate excursion due to the stunning bird's-eye views of the coral reefs. The terminal is equipped with everything necessary for a quick transfer: an efficient system of speedboat transfers is organised here to convey guests to the numerous resorts and guesthouses located on the neighbouring islands.

Below you will find the main contact information for Dharavandhoo Airport (DRV). Please note that the airport is managed by Island Aviation Services (Maldivian airline), so most contacts lead to their central services.

• Official Website: maldivian.aero — the website of the operator, Island Aviation Services, which manages the airport.
• Help Desk Phone: +960 333 55 44 (Maldivian head office).
• Address: Dharavandhoo Airport, Dharavandhoo, Baa Atoll, Republic of Maldives.
• Email: cc@maldivian.aero or info@iasl.aero (general operator addresses).
• Social Media: Official pages of the operator airline, Maldivian, are available on popular social networks, where you can follow news and updates.
• Lost & Found: For issues regarding lost or damaged luggage, you should primarily contact your airline's representative. If your flight was operated by Maldivian, you may use their general contacts.
• Passenger Support: For assistance with general questions related to your flight or time at the airport, it is recommended to use the operator's phone or email.

Getting to the airport on the island of Dharavandhoo is a simple and quick task, thanks to its compact size. Being on one of the picturesque islands of the Maldives in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, you will find that the transport systems typical of large cities are absent here. The entire island can be crossed on foot in a short time, and the airport is located in the immediate vicinity of the residential area and hotels.

The primary and most convenient way to reach the terminal is a transfer organised by your hotel or guesthouse. Virtually all accommodation providers on the island offer this service. Usually, this is a trip in a small car, minivan, or electric cart (buggy). The journey from any point on the island to the airport will take no more than 5-10 minutes. We recommend contacting your hotel administration in advance to arrange the time and cost of the transfer, which is often either complimentary or costs a nominal amount.

Due to the small size of the island, public transport such as buses or trains is completely absent here. Similarly, car rental services are not provided and are not in demand. The most economical and pleasant way to get to the airport, if you are travelling light, is to walk. This will take between 10 to 20 minutes depending on the location of your accommodation and will allow you to enjoy the tropical scenery once more.

Regarding parking at the airport, it is not designed for private tourist vehicles, as they are simply not used here. A small parking area is used mainly for hotel transport dropping off and picking up guests. Therefore, the main advice is to arrange a transfer with your hotel in advance. This is the most reliable, fastest, and most comfortable way to guarantee timely arrival for your flight without any hassle.

Dharavandhoo Airport (DRV) is a small and modern domestic airport that serves as the gateway to the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives. Its structure is extremely simple and focused on the quick and comfortable transfer of tourists arriving at local hotels and resorts.

The airport consists of one passenger terminal, which serves both departing and arriving passengers. The terminal building is compact and single-storey, making navigation intuitively clear. It is impossible to get lost here: all key zones are within walking distance of each other, and there are no transfers between terminals as they are unnecessary.

The terminal layout is very simple. Upon entering, you find yourself in the general hall where the check-in counters are located. The departure zone includes several counters, a security checkpoint, and a small waiting area with basic amenities. The arrival zone consists of a baggage claim belt and an exit to the meeting hall, where tourists are already awaited by representatives of their hotels. The entire process from stepping off the plane to meeting the resort representative takes minimal time.

Completing all formalities at Dharavandhoo airport happens very quickly. Thanks to the low passenger traffic, flight check-in and security screening usually take no more than 15-20 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before departure to check in luggage and go through all procedures without rushing.

The main advice for navigation is to follow the signs and the airport staff. Since everything is located in one small space, you will easily find everything you need. Upon arrival, look for the sign with your hotel's name — resort representatives always meet their guests right at the exit of the baggage claim area, assisting with the onward transfer by speedboat or seaplane.

Dharavandhoo Airport (DRV) is a relatively young but strategically important transport hub in the Maldives. Its history is closely linked to the development of tourism in Baa Atoll. The official opening of the airport took place on 15 October 2012, which marked a turning point for the entire region. The project was implemented to provide convenient and fast access to the numerous resorts located in this picturesque atoll, which had received the prestigious status of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve a year earlier.

The main stage of development was the construction itself. Before the airport appeared, travellers reached Baa Atoll mainly by seaplane or speedboat, which took significantly more time. The construction of a modern runway capable of accommodating turboprop aircraft, such as the Dash-8, radically changed the logistics. This allowed not only for reduced travel time from the capital, Male, but also gave a powerful impetus to the growth of tourism infrastructure and the creation of new jobs for local residents.

Being a modern facility, Dharavandhoo Airport has not undergone major reconstructions, but its infrastructure is constantly maintained in excellent condition to serve the growing flow of passengers. Interesting fact: the airport operator is the state-owned company Island Aviation Services Ltd., which also manages the national carrier, Maldivian. This is part of a broader government initiative to develop regional airports in the Maldives. Today, DRV is not just a runway, but a key gateway to one of the most beautiful and ecologically significant corners of the planet.

Dharavandhoo Airport (DRV) is a small and modern domestic airport serving as the gateway to the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve. Despite its compact size, it offers passengers all the necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight.

To satisfy hunger and purchase souvenirs, the airport has a small café where you can order light snacks, sandwiches, and drinks, as well as a shop with essential items and souvenirs. This is a great place to pass the time before departure and buy memorable gifts.

The main waiting hall is clean and air-conditioned, with a sufficient number of seats. Although there are no public VIP lounges in the airport, some exclusive resorts provide separate lounge areas or check-in counters for their guests, where they can await their transfer in a more private setting.

For those for whom staying connected is important, free Wi-Fi is usually available within the terminal. There are also power outlets and charging stations for mobile devices so you can recharge your gadgets before your onward journey. Regarding financial services, there may be an ATM and a small currency exchange point at the airport, however, for larger transactions and better exchange rates, it is recommended to exchange currency at Velana International Airport (Male).

The airport includes a medical point for first aid. For passengers with small children, mother and child rooms are equipped, where you can take care of your baby in a calm environment. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with staff assistance; for their convenience, the terminal is equipped with ramps and special restrooms.

There are no hotels within the airport territory itself, however, on Dharavandhoo Island, a few minutes' drive away, there are many guesthouses and small hotels. Specialised business centres or conference halls are not provided at the airport, as it is primarily oriented towards tourist transport.

Dharavandhoo Airport (DRV) is a small domestic airport in the Maldives, serving primarily tourists heading to the resorts of Baa Atoll. Due to its compact size, the choice of dining establishments here is limited, so passengers should plan their lunch or dinner in advance.

A small café-snack bar operates in the single airport terminal. It is located in the general area (landside), accessible to both departing and arriving passengers. Here you can purchase drinks (coffee, tea, juices, water), packaged snacks (crisps, chocolate), sandwiches, and pastries. This is the main and practically the only option for a snack within the airport grounds.

The café's assortment consists mainly of standard international snacks. Sometimes you can find traditional Maldivian "hedhikaa" on sale — small pastries with fish or vegetables, which are perfect for a quick introduction to local flavours while waiting for a flight. There are no full-service restaurants with hot meals at the airport.

For passengers with strict dietary requirements, such as veganism or a gluten-free diet, the choice is virtually non-existent. In this case, it is recommended to carry your own snacks. All food offered at the airport is generally Halal, in accordance with the country's regulations.

Prices in the café correspond to the average level for airports — they are higher than in ordinary shops on the islands, but quite acceptable for a quick snack. The establishment's opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule: the café opens shortly before the first departure and closes after the last plane of the day has left.

Recommendations: if you wish to have a full meal, it is better to do so before arriving at the airport. The café in Dharavandhoo is ideal for drinking a coffee or buying a bottle of water before the flight. Do not count on restaurants with à la carte service or a wide selection of dishes.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Dharavandhoo goes smoothly, make use of our tips. This is a small and cosy domestic airport, so orienting yourself here is very simple, but knowing a few nuances will make your trip even more comfortable.

Arrival Time and Check-in: Despite the airport's compact size, it is recommended to arrive approximately 1.5-2 hours before your domestic flight departure. This time will be sufficient for a calm check-in and security clearance. Procedures here are significantly faster than in major international hubs, but it is better to have a time buffer.

Seat Selection: When flying in the Maldives, the view from the window is part of the adventure. At check-in, if possible, ask for a window seat. Panoramic views of coral atolls, turquoise lagoons, and tiny islands scattered across the ocean will become one of the most vivid impressions of your trip.

Hand Luggage and Customs: Pack only essentials in your hand luggage: documents, money, electronics, and medication. Remember the strict ban on importing alcohol into the country (it is only available for purchase at resort hotels). Upon departure from the country, customs control will check that you are not exporting corals, shells, turtle shells, or other items of marine flora and fauna. Exporting such "souvenirs" is strictly prohibited and punishable by fines.

Connecting Passengers: Most travellers use Dharavandhoo Airport for transfers to/from Velana International Airport (Male). When planning connecting flights, allow sufficient time for the transfer, especially if it involves changing terminals or an additional transfer by speedboat.

Saving Time and Money: To avoid unnecessary expenses, buy souvenirs and snacks outside the airport, where the selection is larger and prices are lower. Try to travel light, as strict baggage weight limits often apply on domestic flights, and excess baggage fees can be substantial.

In Case of Flight Delay: Delays, especially due to weather conditions, are not uncommon in the tropical climate. In such cases, remain calm and contact your airline representative for information. Given the small size of the airport, there may not be much entertainment here, so a pre-charged power bank, a book, or a downloaded film will help pass the waiting time.