Dhaalu Airport

Imagine a landing where the runway seems to rise from the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, promising the start of an unforgettable holiday. Dhaalu Airport is not merely a transit point, but an elegant gateway to the world of "barefoot luxury" on one of the most picturesque atolls of the Maldives. This modern aviation hub, located on the island of Kudahuvadhoo, transforms a tiring transfer into an exciting aerial journey, separating you by just a 40-minute flight from the hustle and bustle of the capital.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Dhaalu Airport stands out favourably from many other regional airports in the Maldives due to its modernity and technical facilities. The main advantage for tourists is the possibility of night flights. Unlike seaplanes, which fly only during daylight hours, wheeled aircraft landing at Dhaalu allow for transfers even for late international flights arriving in Male.

Special attention is paid here to the comfort of guests from premium resorts. The airport features an exclusive VIP lounge that serves clients of nearby luxury hotels, such as Niyama Private Islands and Kandima Maldives. This allows travellers to enjoy high-level service and refreshing beverages immediately after landing, bypassing the general waiting area.

Furthermore, Dhaalu Airport prides itself on its eco-friendliness. A significant portion of the energy required for the terminal's operation is generated by solar panels, helping to preserve the atoll's fragile ecosystem. The 1,800-metre runway is capable of accommodating private business jets, making Kudahuvadhoo Island a convenient entry point for elite tourism, bypassing the congested capital airport.

Below you will find current contact information for Dhaalu Airport, which serves the island of Kudahuvadhoo and nearby resorts in the Maldives.

• Official Website: dhaaluairport.com
• Help Desk Phone: +960 676 1100
• Airport Address: Kudahuvadhoo, Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
• Email: info@dhaaluairport.com
• Social Media: Current links to official social media pages are typically posted on the airport's website.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, it is recommended to contact the airline you travelled with directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general information and support, you may use the airport's main help desk number.

Getting to Dhaalu Airport (DDD), located on the island of Kudahuvadhoo, is a multi-stage journey for most tourists, typical of the Maldives islands. Transport here is closely linked to movement by air and water between the atolls.

Domestic Flight from Male

For most international travellers, the starting point in the Maldives is Velana International Airport (MLE) in the capital, Male. From there, a domestic flight is operated to Dhaalu Airport. This short flight is a key link connecting international airlines with the resorts of Dhaalu Atoll. It is extremely important to book tickets for this flight in advance; this can often be done through your hotel or resort, which will help coordinate it with your arrival and departure.

Transfer from the Resort

After landing at Dhaalu Airport, the next stage begins — the journey to your hotel. This is the most common and convenient method for tourists. The vast majority of resorts in the atoll organise meet-and-greet services for their guests. Typically, the transfer is carried out by speedboat. A hotel representative will meet you in the arrival zone and escort you to the jetty. This service must be arranged in advance when booking your accommodation. The cost may be included in the tour package or paid separately.

Taxi on Kudahuvadhoo Island

If you are staying not on a separate resort island but in a guest house on Kudahuvadhoo Island itself, getting to the airport is very simple. Local taxis operate on the island. A trip from any point in Kudahuvadhoo to the terminal will take no more than 5–15 minutes, as the island is compact. This is an inexpensive and quick option for independent travellers.

Public Transport and Car Rental

There is no public transport typical of large cities, such as buses or a metro, on the island. Public ferries run between some islands of the atoll, but their schedule and slow speed make them inconvenient for tourists. Car rental is not practised among travellers due to the small size of the island, so the question of long-term parking at the airport is also not relevant.

Dhaalu Airport (DDD) is a modern and compact airport serving domestic flights in the Maldives. Its structure is maximally simple and convenient for travellers arriving at the resorts of Dhaalu Atoll. A feature of the airport is that it consists of one terminal, which serves both arriving and departing flights.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The building is divided into two main functional zones — the arrival zone and the departure zone. You won't have to worry about transfers between terminals, as everything is under one roof within walking distance. Upon arrival, you enter a hall with a luggage belt, after which you proceed to the exit, where hotel representatives are already waiting to organise your transfer. The departure zone houses check-in counters, a security checkpoint, and a comfortable waiting lounge.

Thanks to the small size of the airport and its well-thought-out logistics, all pre-flight procedures are completed very quickly and without fuss. Check-in and security screening usually take no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 60-90 minutes before departure to calmly check in your luggage and wait for boarding.

Navigation within the terminal is extremely simple. Signs are clear and understandable, and staff are always ready to assist and direct you. Getting lost here is practically impossible. Inside the terminal, there are basic amenities, including a rest area and restrooms. Its modern design with tropical style elements creates a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere, perfectly setting the mood for relaxation from your very first minutes on the atoll.

Dhaalu Airport (DDD) is one of the youngest and most modern airports in the Maldives. Its history began quite recently but has already managed to radically change the tourism landscape of Dhaalu Atoll. The official opening of the air harbour in the city of Kudahuvadhoo took place in 2017, which became a key event for the development of the entire region.

The construction of the airport was initiated and implemented by the private company Reollo Investments. The main goal of the project was to create convenient and fast access to the luxury resorts located on Dhaalu Atoll. Before the airport appeared, tourists had to travel here by seaplanes or boats, which took significantly more time. Thus, the airport was designed from the very beginning as a gateway for premium tourism.

From a technical point of view, Dhaalu Airport was built to modern standards. Its runway, 1,800 metres long, is capable of receiving not only turboprop aircraft flying domestic routes but also private business jets. This allowed the level of guest service to be raised to new heights. With the opening of the airport, the transfer time from Male to the atoll's resorts was reduced to a few dozen minutes, which became its main achievement.

Since the airport was opened quite recently, it has not yet undergone major reconstructions. Its infrastructure was initially created with the expectation of growing passenger traffic and the high demands of travellers. Today, Dhaalu Airport is not just a transport hub, but an important part of the tourism ecosystem, ensuring impeccable service and a comfortable start to the holiday for thousands of guests arriving at the paradise islands of Dhaalu Atoll.

Dhaalu Airport (DDD), also known as Kudahuvadhoo Airport, is an important transport hub for tourists heading to the luxury resorts of Dhaalu Atoll. Despite its compact size, the airport offers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for your flight.

Dining and Shops: There is a small café or snack bar in the terminal where you can order light snacks, sandwiches, pastries, and beverages. This is a great place to have a bite before departure or upon arrival. A small shop selling souvenirs, daily necessities, and local crafts may also be operating.

Waiting Lounges: The main feature of Dhaalu Airport is the presence of private lounges belonging to various resorts. Guests of hotels such as Niyama Private Islands or Kandima Maldives can await their transfer (usually by seaplane or speedboat) in an exclusive and comfortable setting with drinks and snacks. A general waiting hall is available for other passengers.

Terminal Amenities: Passengers can make use of free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. There are also stands for charging mobile devices. Banking services are generally limited to an ATM. Currency exchange points are rare here, so it is recommended to exchange money in advance at Male International Airport.

Additional Services:

• Medical Assistance: There is a first aid station at the airport for unforeseen situations.
• For Passengers with Children: Mother and child rooms may be available for infant care.
• For Passengers with Reduced Mobility: The airport is equipped with ramps and special restrooms to ensure an accessible environment.

There are no hotels within Dhaalu Airport itself or in its immediate vicinity, as it primarily serves transfers to island resorts. Specialised conference halls or business centres are also absent; these services are provided directly at the resorts.

Dhaalu Airport (DDD) offers passengers exclusive conditions while waiting for a flight, and this includes dining. Since the airport primarily serves guests of private resorts, particularly Niyama Private Islands, there is no wide variety of independent restaurants and food courts as seen in major international hubs. Instead, service is focused on the comfortable VIP lounge, which is the main place for a snack.

In the lounge, guests are offered a menu focused on light and exquisite dishes. Here you will find:

• Quick snacks: Sandwiches with quality fillings, fresh pastries, croissants, and desserts.
• Healthy options: Salads, fruit platters of exotic tropical fruits, and fresh juices.
• Beverages: A wide selection of premium coffee, tea, non-alcoholic drinks, and bottled water.

Regarding special dietary needs, as with most premium Maldivian resorts, the staff is ready to accommodate guests. Upon request, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options can be offered. All food in the Maldives is Halal by default. The price range corresponds to the level of a luxury resort and belongs to the high-end segment. The waiting hall and dining area are located in the airport's single terminal, in the departure zone (airside), and operate according to the flight schedule.

Planning a trip through Dhaalu Airport in the city of Kudahuvadhoo will be easy if you take a few tips into account. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. Although this is a small domestic terminal and check-in and security procedures are quite fast here, extra time will allow you to avoid rushing, especially if you are travelling with luggage or during the peak tourist season.

When choosing a seat on the plane, do not hesitate to book a window seat. Panoramic views of turquoise lagoons and the scattering of atoll islands are an unforgettable sight and a wonderful beginning or end to your holiday in the Maldives. To guarantee yourself a good view, use online check-in as soon as it opens.

Regarding hand luggage, remember the country's strict customs rules. The import of alcoholic products, pork, adult material, and items contrary to Islamic principles is strictly prohibited. These rules apply throughout the country, and your luggage may be checked even on domestic flights. Otherwise, standard restrictions apply: liquids in containers up to 100 ml and no sharp objects.

If you have a connecting flight, for example, for a further transfer to a resort, coordinate all details with your hotel representatives in advance. In case of a flight delay, immediately contact the airline and your hotel to adjust the speedboat or seaplane schedule. Since the airport is small, opportunities for long waits are limited, so bring a book or charge your electronic devices.

To save time and money, check in for your flight online and book all necessary transfers in advance. The choice of cafés and shops at the airport may be limited, and prices higher than average. Therefore, a small snack and a bottle of water purchased after the security zone will help make your wait more comfortable and less expensive.