Fumawula

Fuvahmulah Airport (FVM) is not merely a regional transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to one of the most enigmatic and secluded corners of the Maldives archipelago. Unlike most Maldivian airports located on neighboring satellite islands, this air harbour is situated directly on the unique atoll island of Fuvahmulah, allowing travelers to be in the centre of the action immediately upon landing. The flight here is a visual adventure in itself: the aircraft descends over the boundless ocean, revealing views of a lush emerald island with freshwater lakes, drifting like a solitary ship in the Indian Ocean near the equator.

Features and Advantages

Fuvahmulah Airport boasts several unique features that make it a vital infrastructure facility for the southern atolls:

• Landscape Integration: The runway is laid out in such a way that it practically does not disturb the natural harmony of the island. Since there is no need for a speedboat transfer, the journey from the aircraft steps to any hotel or guesthouse on the island takes just minutes by taxi.
• 24-Hour Operation: Following recent modernization and the installation of a modern lighting system, the airport can now accommodate flights after dark, significantly improving logistics for transit tourists arriving on international flights to Male in the evening.
• Cozy Atmosphere: The airport terminal is compact and intuitive. There is none of the hustle and bustle of major hubs here; check-in and baggage claim procedures proceed at a calm, almost homely pace, allowing you to instantly get into a holiday mood.
• Strategic Importance: The airport is a key access point for diving enthusiasts seeking to see the famous tiger sharks inhabiting the coastal waters of Fuvahmulah, ensuring a steady stream of travelers from around the world.

Below you will find contact details for Fuvahmulah Airport (FVM), serving the island of Fuvahmulah in the Maldives. Please note that the airport is managed by Regional Airports Company Ltd (RACL), so many official contacts lead to the operator's resources.

• Official Website: Up-to-date information on flights and airport services can be found on the official page of the operator RACL: racl.mv/fuvahmulah.
• Help Desk Phone: +960 6861818
• Address: Fuvahmulah Airport (FVM), Fuvahmulah, Gnaviyani Atoll, Maldives.
• Email: For official inquiries, you can use the address: fvm@racl.mv.
• Social Media: Important updates and news related to airport operations are generally published on RACL's official social media pages.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of lost or damaged luggage, it is recommended to first contact your airline representative directly at the airport. For additional assistance, you may also contact the airport help desk.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all general questions regarding your stay and service at the airport, you can contact the main help desk number: +960 6861818.

Fuvahmulah Airport (FVM) serves the eponymous atoll island of Fuvahmulah, which is one of the most unique in the Maldives. Thanks to the island's compact size, getting to the airport from any point is a quick and simple task. Distances here are short, so the journey will not take much time, regardless of the chosen mode of transport.

Taxi and Transfer. This is the most convenient and common way to get to the airport, especially if you have luggage. Several taxi services operate on the island, and a ride can be booked by phone or by asking the staff at your hotel or guesthouse. Many accommodation providers offer their own transfer services. A trip from the furthest point of the island will take no more than 10-15 minutes. The cost of the trip is low due to the short distance, but it is best to confirm it when booking.

Public Transport. Like most Maldivian islands, Fuvahmulah does not have a public transport system in the conventional sense — you will not find regular bus routes or trains here. Life is concentrated within a small area, and locals move around mainly on scooters or on foot.

Vehicle Rental. Instead of cars, renting a scooter or bicycle is much more popular on the island. This is an excellent option for independent travelers who want to not only get to the airport but also explore the island at their own pace. Rental points can be found in residential areas or inquired about at your hotel. This is the most budget-friendly way to get around, offering plenty of impressions.

Airport Parking. The airport has a small parking area where you can leave a scooter or wait for a taxi. It is not intended for long-term vehicle storage like in major international airports, but rather serves as a pick-up and drop-off point for passengers.

If your plans include traveling to other atolls, it is worth knowing the location of the nearest air harbours. These include Gan Airport (GAN), located approximately 52.5 km away, and Faresmaathoda (FMT), located 61.5 km from Fuvahmulah.

Fuvahmulah Airport (FVM) is a small and modern regional airport serving domestic flights in the Maldives. Its structure is extremely simple and intuitive, making the experience comfortable even for first-time travelers. The airport consists of one passenger terminal, which handles both arriving and departing flights.

The terminal layout is very logical. It is a single-story building, functionally divided into several key zones. Thanks to its compact size and clear signage, navigation poses no difficulties. Since there is only one terminal, you do not have to worry about transferring between different buildings — everything is within walking distance.

The Departure Zone is located in one part of the building. Immediately at the entrance are the airline check-in counters, where passengers drop off luggage and receive boarding passes. Directly behind them is the security checkpoint, leading to a small but cozy waiting hall. There is ample seating here for a comfortable wait before boarding the flight.

The Arrival Zone occupies the other part of the terminal. After disembarking from the aircraft, passengers enter the baggage claim hall with a single luggage belt. The process of waiting for and retrieving suitcases is usually very quick. The exit from the arrivals hall leads directly to the street, to the taxi stand and hotel transfers.

Completing all pre-flight formalities at Fuvahmulah Airport generally takes minimum time. Check-in and security rarely create long queues due to the low passenger flow. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before departure to go through all procedures without rushing. The main advice for navigation is simple: it is practically impossible to get lost here, and the staff are always ready to help and provide direction.

The history of Fuvahmulah Airport (FVM) is a story of how modern technology connected one of the most unique and isolated islands of the Maldives archipelago with the rest of the world. The airport was inaugurated on 11 November 2011, which became a turning point for the residents of Fuvahmulah. Before this, the only way to reach the capital, Male, was a long and often unpredictable sea voyage that could take over 10 hours. With the advent of air travel, the journey time was reduced to 70–90 minutes.

The construction of the airport was a major government project aimed at developing infrastructure and improving the quality of life in the southern Maldives. Initially, a runway of about 1,100 meters was built, capable of accepting domestic aircraft. This step not only facilitated travel for locals but also opened Fuvahmulah to tourists who rarely reached this picturesque corner, known for its unique nature and tiger shark diving opportunities, in the past.

Since its opening, the airport has been constantly developing. In recent years, work has been carried out to modernize the runway and install a new lighting system, allowing flights to be received after dark and improving overall flight safety. Furthermore, there are ambitious plans for the further expansion of the airport: lengthening the runway and building a new, more modern passenger terminal. These improvements aim to ensure that in the future, Fuvahmulah Airport can achieve international status and accommodate larger aircraft.

An interesting fact: Fuvahmulah is an atypical atoll for the Maldives, consisting of just one large island. This geographical feature made it particularly dependent on transport links. The appearance of the airport became a real achievement that stimulated the development of the local economy, particularly the emergence of guesthouses and diving centres, allowing travelers from all over the world to discover this amazing island.

Fuvahmulah Airport (FVM) is a small domestic airport serving the eponymous atoll island. The infrastructure here is quite compact and provides a basic set of services necessary for a comfortable wait for your flight. It is important to understand that the range of amenities will be significantly more modest than in major international hubs.

A small cafe operates within the terminal, where passengers can buy light snacks, sandwiches, pastries, as well as hot and cold drinks. This is a great place to have a bite before departure. In addition, there are several small shops offering local souvenirs, beach accessories, and essential items. The selection of shops is limited, so major shopping is best planned outside the airport.

A general waiting hall is provided for flights. There are no specialized VIP halls or business lounges at the airport. Basic Wi-Fi is available to passengers, although connection speed and stability may vary. Several mobile device charging stations can be found in the waiting hall, but their number is limited, so it is recommended to carry a portable power bank.

There are no full-service bank branches or currency exchange points at Fuvahmulah Airport. All financial transactions, including currency exchange, are best done in advance in Male or at banks on Fuvahmulah island itself. An ATM may be installed at the airport, but one should not rely on its constant availability. A medical point is available for first aid. For families with small children, changing tables may be provided in the restrooms, but there are no separate play areas.

The airport is equipped with basic facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including ramps and accessible toilets. However, for special assistance, such as boarding the aircraft, it is recommended to notify your airline in advance. There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, but many guesthouses and hotels are located throughout the island, just a 5-15 minute taxi ride away. Conference rooms and business centres are absent at Fuvahmulah Airport.

Fuvahmulah Airport (FVM) is a small regional airport serving domestic flights. Dining options here are quite limited and correspond to the size of the terminal. Nevertheless, passengers can find basic amenities to grab a snack before departure.

The main and, typically, the only place to eat at the airport is a small cafe located in the general area before security control (landside). This establishment is accessible to both departing and arriving passengers as well as greeters. Here you can order coffee, tea, bottled water, and soft drinks. Food offerings usually include light snacks: sandwiches, pastries, chips, and chocolate. This is quite sufficient to quickly satisfy hunger while waiting for a flight.

Sometimes simple local dishes can be found on the menu, such as traditional Maldivian snacks known as "hedhikaa," but one should not count on a wide selection. Regarding special dietary needs, finding specific vegan or gluten-free dishes at the airport is practically impossible. While food in the Maldives is Halal, passengers with other strict dietary restrictions are advised to bring food with them.

The cafe's operating hours depend directly on the flight schedule — it opens a few hours before the first flight and closes after the departure of the last one. Prices, as in most airports, may be slightly higher than in the city. If you plan to have a full meal, it is better to do so in advance at one of the establishments on Fuvahmulah island before arriving at the airport.

Fuvahmulah Airport is the gateway to one of the most unique islands in the Maldives. Despite its modest size, it plays a key role in the region's transport system. To ensure your journey runs smoothly, make use of these tips.

Arrival at the Airport and Check-in. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. Fuvahmulah Airport is small, so queues for check-in and security are usually minimal. However, it is better to have a time buffer, especially during the peak tourist season. If your airline offers online check-in, be sure to use this opportunity to save time.

Security Control and Hand Luggage. Security procedures here are standard, but it is important to remember the strict rules for importing goods into the Maldives, which also apply to domestic movements. It is strictly prohibited to transport alcohol, pork and pork products, as well as any religious symbolism not related to Islam. All such items will be confiscated. Standard restrictions on liquids in hand luggage (up to 100 ml per container) also apply.

Seat Selection and Transfers. Flights between atolls offer incredible views. To enjoy the panorama of coral islands from a bird's-eye view, try to choose a window seat. If you are flying from Fuvahmulah for an international transfer, your path will almost certainly lie through the main international airport, Velana (MLE) in Male. Allow at least 3-4 hours for the transfer to account for possible delays and to complete all formalities calmly.

Customs Control. Strict customs inspection is carried out upon entry into the country, usually in Male. On domestic flights, such as from Fuvahmulah, there is no customs control, but security services thoroughly check luggage for prohibited items. When departing the country, ensure you are not exporting corals (except those bought in certified shops with a receipt), shells, or other marine life.

Saving Time and Money. Book flight tickets in advance, especially for peak dates. Carefully study your airline's baggage allowance — on domestic flights, they are often stricter and lower than on international ones. To avoid costly excess baggage fees, travel light. Food and drinks at the airport can be expensive, so it wouldn't hurt to bring a small water bottle (which can be filled after security) and a light snack.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay? Delays, especially due to weather conditions, are not uncommon in the tropics. In the event of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative. Clarify the reason and the estimated departure time. The airline is obliged to provide drinks and meals during long waits. Given the limited infrastructure of the small airport, be prepared that there may be few comfortable waiting areas. Having travel insurance that covers such cases will be a big plus.