Hoarafushi

Hoarafushi Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to the northernmost and most unexplored corner of the Maldives. This modern terminal, which opened quite recently, has transformed the long and tiring journey to Haa Alif Atoll into a quick and comfortable flight over turquoise lagoons. Seemingly floating above the ocean, the airport is situated on a specially reclaimed stretch of land, offering passengers breathtaking views right from the moment of landing.

Airport Features and Advantages:

Modern Infrastructure. As one of the country's newest airports (opened in late 2020), Hoarafushi boasts fresh facilities and a thoughtful layout. The compact passenger terminal is equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable wait, including air conditioning and convenient seating areas, which distinguishes it favourably from older regional airfields.

Strategic Location. The airport has become a key link for the entire Haa Alif Atoll. It has significantly simplified access not only to Hoarafushi Island but also to the atoll's capital, Dhidhdhoo city, as well as to luxury resorts in the region, such as JA Manafaru. Speedboat transfers to most hotels and islands now take just a matter of minutes.

Scenic Landing. The airport's runway is located in immediate proximity to the coastline, creating the sensation of landing directly on the ocean. Passengers note the incredible views of coral reefs and the gradient blues of the Indian Ocean visible from the window during descent, making the start of the holiday truly unforgettable.

Below is the main contact information for Hoarafushi Airport (HRF), serving Haa Alif Atoll.

• Official Website: Current information on flights, services, and airport news is published on the airport's page on the Regional Airports Company Ltd (RACL) website: www.racl.mv/airports/hoarafushi-airport.
• Help Desk Phone: For immediate information, you can call: +960 6500041.
• Airport Address: Hoarafushi Airport (HRF), Hoarafushi, Haa Alifu Atoll, Republic of Maldives.
• Email: For general and business inquiries, you can contact the management company via email: info@racl.mv.
• Social Media: Updates and news can be followed on the official RACL pages on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of luggage issues (loss, damage, or delay), you must first contact your airline representative at the airport. If further assistance is required from the airport, please use the help desk phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all questions related to your stay at the airport, you can approach the information desk or call the help desk number.

Getting to Hoarafushi Airport from the city of Dhidhdhoo is a small journey in itself, as the airport is located on a separate island. The main mode of transport between islands in the Maldives is water transport. Forget about the usual buses or trains; here, a scenic ocean trip awaits you.

Speedboat is the fastest and most convenient method. The trip from the jetty in Dhidhdhoo to Hoarafushi Island takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Most hotels and guesthouses will happily organise a private or group transfer for you. This is the most reliable option to ensure you do not miss your flight. The cost varies, but the convenience and time saved often justify the expense. It is recommended to book your transfer in advance, especially during the high season.

Public Ferry is a more budget-friendly and authentic alternative. Ferries run between the islands according to a schedule, but they do not operate as frequently as one might wish. The journey by ferry will take significantly longer — about 1-1.5 hours. This option is excellent if you are not in a hurry and wish to experience the local atmosphere. It is critically important to check the schedule in advance, as it may not align with your flight time.

Taxi and Island Transfers. Upon arrival at Hoarafushi Island, you will likely need a taxi to get from the jetty to the airport building. This is a short and inexpensive ride. Similarly, in Dhidhdhoo, you will need to get from your hotel to the jetty. These short land trips are usually carried out by local taxis.

Car Rental and Parking. Due to the specific island nature, renting a car to travel to the airport is not a relevant service. There is no road connection between Dhidhdhoo and Hoarafushi. Parking at the airport is also not designed for tourists arriving from other islands and is intended mainly for local transport on Hoarafushi Island itself.

Top Tip: Plan your transfer to the airport well in advance. Contact your hotel to organise a boat and allow extra time in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as changes in weather conditions.

Hoarafushi Airport (HRF) is a modern and compact domestic airport serving the northern atolls of the Maldives. Its structure is extremely simple and intuitive, making it very convenient for travellers.

The airport consists of one small passenger terminal, which handles both arriving and departing flights. Thanks to the building's compact size, it is impossible to get lost here. All key areas — check-in counters, security screening, the waiting lounge, and the baggage claim area — are within walking distance of each other. There are no transfers between terminals, as all operations are carried out within a single building.

The Departure Zone includes several check-in counters where Maldivian airline staff typically operate. Immediately behind them is the security checkpoint. Check-in and screening procedures generally proceed very quickly, taking no more than 15–20 minutes, as the airport handles a small number of flights. After screening, passengers enter a cosy waiting lounge with basic amenities.

The Arrival Zone is a small hall where passengers enter immediately after disembarking from the aircraft. A baggage claim belt is installed here. Often, representatives from hotels and guesthouses are already waiting for guests at the exit of the arrival zone to organise transfers.

The main recommendation for navigation is simply to follow the signs, which are few and extremely clear. Given the size of the airport and the speed of service, there is no need to arrive 2-3 hours before departure. It is sufficient to arrive 60–90 minutes before the time indicated on your ticket to go through all formalities without rushing.

Hoarafushi Airport (HRF) is one of the youngest and most strategically important transport hubs in the Maldives. Its history is short but very eventful, as it opened a new era of accessibility for the country's northern atolls, including the island of Dhidhdhoo. The airport was officially opened quite recently, making it a modern example of infrastructure development in the region.

The airport construction project was implemented in record time. One of the most interesting facts about its creation is that the runway and terminal were built on artificially created land, reclaimed from the island's lagoon. The grand opening took place in November 2020. This event became a true celebration for local residents, who had waited decades for direct air connectivity.

The main achievement of Hoarafushi Airport is the radical reduction in travel time to the northernmost islands. Whereas previously a trip from the capital, Male, by boat could take over 15-20 hours, the flight now lasts only about an hour. This has not only stimulated the development of tourism in the secluded corners of Haa Alif Atoll but also significantly improved the quality of life for the local population by providing quick access to medical and educational services.

Since the airport was built very recently, it initially met modern standards and has not yet undergone major renovations. Its runway, approximately 1,200 metres long, is designed to accommodate turboprop aircraft, which form the backbone of domestic aviation in the Maldives. Despite its youth, Hoarafushi Airport has already gone down in history as a key project that opened the beauty of the country's northernmost region to the world.

Hoarafushi Airport (HRF) is a modern and compact domestic terminal ensuring a comfortable start and end to your journey through the northern atolls of the Maldives. Despite its small size, the airport offers passengers the essentials. Here you will find a small café where you can have a snack, drink coffee, or enjoy refreshments while waiting for your flight. There is also a souvenir shop where you can purchase memorable gifts and locally produced goods.

For passenger convenience, the terminal is equipped with a general waiting lounge with ample seating. Regarding modern amenities, access to Wi-Fi may be limited, so it is recommended to use mobile data for a stable connection. There are several charging stations for electronic devices in the waiting lounge, but in case of high occupancy, it is better to have a portable power bank with you.

It is important to note that there are no banks, ATMs, or currency exchange offices at Hoarafushi Airport. It is recommended to perform all financial transactions, including currency exchange, in advance at Velana International Airport in Male or in major settlements. Basic first aid services are available at the airport, but for serious cases, it is necessary to contact medical facilities on the island.

The airport is designed taking into account the basic needs of all categories of travellers. Ramps and an accessible environment are provided for passengers with reduced mobility; however, you should notify your airline in advance regarding the need for special assistance, such as the provision of a wheelchair. There are no specialised mother and child rooms or play areas for children, but the compactness of the terminal makes it easy to navigate with little ones.

There are no hotels within the airport building itself. However, since the terminal is located on the inhabited island of Hoarafushi, you can find several guesthouses and small hotels in the immediate vicinity where you can stay. Specialised business centres or conference rooms are not provided at the airport, as it is oriented exclusively towards serving passenger flights.

Hoarafushi Airport (HRF) is a small regional air terminal serving domestic flights in the Maldives. Dining options here are quite limited and designed for passengers awaiting a short flight. Do not expect a large selection of restaurants as in international airports, but grabbing a snack before departure is certainly possible.

In the airport's single terminal, typically in the public area before security control, there is a small café or snack bar. Here, travellers can purchase basic items for a quick bite:

• Drinks: Bottled water, soft drinks, juices, as well as hot tea and coffee.
• Snacks: Packaged crisps, biscuits, chocolate bars.
• Pastries: Sometimes the assortment includes simple sandwiches or local pastries.

There are no full-service restaurants or bars at Hoarafushi Airport. Regarding local cuisine, sometimes in the café you can find "hedhikaa" — traditional Maldivian snacks, but their availability is not guaranteed. Specialised menus for vegetarians, vegans, or people with gluten intolerance are likely absent here. However, as the Maldives is an Islamic country, all food offered will be Halal by default.

The café's opening hours are directly linked to the flight schedule — it opens shortly before departures and closes after the last aircraft has left. Prices for food and drinks are moderate but may be higher than outside the airport. If you require a full lunch or dinner, it is best to eat at your hotel, guesthouse, or one of the establishments on the island before arriving at the airport.

To ensure your journey through Hoarafushi Airport in the city of Dhidhdhoo goes smoothly, use these helpful tips. It is a small and modern domestic airport, so navigating it usually causes no difficulties, but knowing a few nuances will make your trip even more comfortable.

Arrival at the Airport and Check-in
For domestic flights within the Maldives, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. Hoarafushi Airport is small, and processes here are quite fast, but extra time will save you from rushing. If your airline offers online check-in, be sure to use it to save time. Keep your passport and e-ticket ready.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane
Flights between atolls are an exciting adventure in themselves. Be sure to choose a window seat! Views of coral reefs, turquoise lagoons, and islands scattered across the ocean from a bird's-eye view are one of the most vivid impressions of a trip to the Maldives. It is worth paying a little extra for such shots if the airline offers paid seat selection.

Hand Luggage and Baggage
You can take a standard set in your hand luggage: documents, money, gadgets, a portable charger, and necessary medicines. Importing alcohol into the country is strictly prohibited, even if purchased in Duty Free. Pork and pork products, materials of an erotic nature, and items contrary to Islamic values are also banned. Please note that using drones often requires a special permit.

Connecting Passengers
Most travellers arrive in or depart from Hoarafushi with a transfer at the main international hub, Velana International Airport (MLE) in Male. When planning connecting flights, allow sufficient time between the domestic and international flights — at least 3-4 hours. This will allow you to calmly go through all formalities and account for possible delays due to weather conditions.

Customs Control
The main customs inspection is conducted upon arrival in the country at the international airport in Male. On domestic flights, there is generally no such strict control. The main thing to remember is that exporting black coral, shells, and turtle shells from the country is prohibited. Buy souvenirs only in official shops.

Saving Time and Money

• Book tickets in advance: The earlier you buy tickets for a domestic flight, the lower the price will be.
• Watch your baggage weight: Strict weight limits often apply on domestic flights (usually 20 kg + 5 kg hand luggage). Excess weight can be expensive.
• Bring a snack: The choice of food and drinks in small island airports is limited, and prices may be high.

In Case of Flight Delay
Flight delays in the Maldives, especially on seaplanes and small propeller aircraft, sometimes occur due to changeable weather. If your flight is delayed, first contact the airline representative for information. Hoarafushi Airport has basic amenities, but do not expect a wide choice of entertainment. Stay calm and enjoy the views — you are on paradise islands, after all!