Velana International Airport

Velana International Airport (MLE) is not just an air hub, but a true gateway to the tropical paradise of the Maldives. Located on the separate island of Hulhule, it welcomes travellers with breathtaking views of the turquoise ocean right from the aircraft steps. Its runway, starting and ending at the water's edge, makes a lasting impression and sets the mood for an unforgettable holiday. It is from here that your journey to the atolls lost in the ocean begins via speedboats, seaplanes, or domestic flights.

The main feature of Velana Airport is its unique logistics, completely oriented towards tourists. It consists of three terminals: International, Domestic, and a separate Seaplane Terminal, which is one of the largest in the world. Upon arrival, travellers are met by hotel representatives who help organise onward transfers. You can head to your resort island on a speedboat, take a scenic flight on a seaplane that lands directly on the water, or take a domestic flight to more distant atolls. For the convenience of passengers, the airport has everything necessary: Duty Free shops, cafes and restaurants, currency exchange points, as well as counters of local operators where you can purchase a SIM card.

Below is the main contact information for communicating with representatives of Velana International Airport.

• Official Website: macl.aero
• Inquiry Service Phone: +960 332-3506
• Address: Airport Main Rd, Malé, Maldives
• Email for General Inquiries: customercare@macl.aero
• Social Media: You can follow airport news on the official pages on Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: For questions regarding lost or damaged checked baggage, please contact your airline directly. If you have lost personal items within the terminal building, contact the airport's Lost & Found service by phone at +960 778-2322 or via email at lostnfound@macl.aero.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance or information, you can call the main airport number or write to the customer support email.

Velana International Airport (MLE) is located on Hulhule Island, which is connected to the capital city, Male, by the Sinamale Bridge. This makes the trip to the airport quick and convenient. There are several ways to get from the city to the terminal, the choice of which depends on your budget and preferences.

Public Transport. The most economical way to get to the airport is the public bus. Red air-conditioned buses run on a regular route connecting Male, the airport island of Hulhule, and the artificial island of Hulhumale. Buses run at short intervals throughout the day. The journey from the centre of the Maldives capital to the airport takes about 15-20 minutes and costs very little. This is an excellent choice for budget travellers.

Taxi and Private Transfer. A more comfortable and faster option is a taxi ride. The car will take you from your hotel directly to the departure terminal entrance. The cost of the trip is usually fixed or metered, but it is significantly higher than the bus. The journey time by taxi is about 10-15 minutes, making it an ideal option if you are in a hurry or travelling with a lot of luggage. You can also pre-book a private transfer through your hotel or an online service.

Car Rental and Parking. Renting a car for a trip to the airport in the compact conditions of Male is not a common practice among tourists. The city is easy to get around on foot, and other modes of transport are used for longer trips. Nevertheless, the airport has a parking zone, which can be used by local residents or those who have decided to rent a car.

Recommendation: If you are travelling light and want to save money, choose the bus. For maximum comfort and speed, especially with children or heavy suitcases, it is better to take a taxi. Despite the short distance, always allow extra time for the trip to the airport, especially during peak hours.

Velana International Airport, located on Hulhule Island near the capital Male, has a well-thought-out and relatively simple structure oriented towards servicing tourist flows. The airport consists of three main terminals, each performing its own function: the International Terminal, the Domestic Terminal, and the Seaplane Terminal.

The International Terminal is the main building where all international flights arrive. Located here are the arrival zones with passport control and baggage claim, as well as check-in counters, the security screening zone, and the departure hall with Duty Free shops, cafes, and waiting lounges. Despite its compact size, it can be quite crowded during peak hours. Navigation is simple, and signs are duplicated in English.

The Domestic Terminal and Seaplane Terminal service onward transfers to resort islands across the Maldives. The Domestic Terminal is within walking distance of the international one (literally a couple of minutes' walk) and is intended for local airline flights. The Seaplane Terminal, servicing flights by Trans Maldivian Airways and Manta Air, is located slightly further away, and free shuttle buses run to it. A distinctive feature of this terminal is the presence of branded lounges for many hotels, where guests can comfortably await their seaplane flight.

Completing all formalities (check-in, passport control, screening) for an international flight usually takes from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, but in high season it is recommended to allow more time. For domestic flights, arriving an hour to an hour and a half in advance is sufficient. The main advice for navigation: upon arrival, you will most likely be met by a representative of your hotel who will guide you to the necessary transfer point — be it the jetty for speedboats (located right at the terminal exit), the check-in counter for a domestic flight, or the shuttle to the seaplane terminal. This significantly simplifies orientation at the airport.

The history of Velana International Airport is closely intertwined with the establishment of tourism in the Maldives. It all began on October 19, 1960, when the first aircraft landed on Hulhule Island, located near the capital Male. The runway at that time was a structure made of steel plates. The official opening of the airport, named "Hulhule Airport", took place in 1966, marking the beginning of a new era in the transport accessibility of the archipelago.

A key moment in its development was 1981. The airport was radically modernised: the first proper asphalt runway was built, and it was ceremoniously opened under a new name — Male International Airport. This event became a powerful impetus for the tourism industry, allowing the reception of large international flights and significantly increasing the flow of travellers.

In the following decades, the airport was expanded and updated multiple times to meet the growing passenger traffic. In 2011, it was renamed in honour of the country's second president as Ibrahim Nasir International Airport. It received its current name — Velana International Airport — in 2017. This renaming coincided with the launch of the most massive reconstruction project in its history, including the construction of a new runway, a modern passenger terminal, and the world's largest seaplane terminal.

One of the most interesting facts is the airport's unique location on a separate island. Until the opening of the Sinamale Bridge in 2018, which connected Hulhule Island with the capital, the only way to get to Male was by boat or ferry. Today, the airport is not just a transport hub, but a symbol of the incredible growth and development of the Maldives, continuing to set records for servicing tourists from all over the world.

Velana International Airport (MLE) is designed to ensure your journey to the paradise islands begins and ends with maximum comfort. The terminals provide a wide range of services, allowing you to spend time pleasantly while waiting for your flight.

Available to passengers are various dining spots: from cafes with quick snacks and aromatic coffee to restaurants where you can have a full meal. For those wishing to shop, Duty Free stores are open, offering perfumes, cosmetics, confectionery, and tobacco products, as well as souvenir shops where you can purchase memorable gifts from the Maldives.

For more comfortable waiting, several business lounges and VIP lounges operate at the airport. In these, you can relax in silence, use shower facilities, enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages, and work in specially equipped zones. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport territory, and numerous sockets and USB ports are provided for charging electronic devices.

Located within the terminal building are bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points, allowing you to easily resolve all financial matters upon arrival or before departure. In case of need, a medical centre operates around the clock at the airport, where qualified personnel are ready to provide first aid.

Families with children can use the mother and child rooms, equipped with everything necessary for baby care. For passengers with reduced mobility, special assistance is provided, including escort and provision of wheelchairs. It is recommended to inform the airline of your needs in advance.

If you have a long layover or an early flight, just a few minutes' drive from the terminal is the Hulhule Island Hotel, offering comfortable accommodation. Some high-comfort waiting lounges also provide basic business services for business travellers.

At Velana International Airport (MLE), travellers will find sufficient options for a snack or a full meal to comfortably pass the time while waiting for a flight. The main establishments are concentrated in the international terminal, both before and after passing passport control.

In the departure zone (airside), after security screening, the main food court is located on the first floor. Here you will find popular international fast-food chains such as `Burger King`, `KFC`, and `Pizza Hut`. For those who prefer Asian cuisine, `Thai Express` operates, offering hearty and aromatic Thai dishes. This is a great place for a full lunch or dinner. Nearby is usually a coffee shop, for example, `The Coffee Club`, where you can order good coffee, sandwiches, salads, and desserts in a calmer atmosphere.

In the public zone (landside), before check-in and security control, the selection is more modest but sufficient for those meeting passengers or arriving at the airport early. There are also several cafes here where you can drink a cup of tea or coffee and eat a light snack. Similar small cafeterias also exist in the domestic flight terminal.

Regarding special dietary preferences, in the Maldives, being a Muslim country, it is simple: practically all food in the airport is `halal`. `Vegetarian` options are easy to find on the menus of most establishments, especially at Thai Express and The Coffee Club. For `vegans` and travellers requiring `gluten-free` dishes, the choice may be limited, so it is recommended to carefully study the ingredients or ask the restaurant staff directly.

The price range at Velana Airport, as in most tourist hubs, is above average. Be prepared to pay more for food and drinks than in Male. Most establishments in the departure zone of the international terminal operate around the clock or on a flexible schedule adjusted to flight times, so you can eat even at night.

So, if you need a `quick snack`, feel free to go to one of the fast-food restaurants or grab a sandwich at a coffee shop. If you have time for a `full lunch`, the food court restaurants will offer more hearty and diverse dishes.

To ensure your journey through the main airport of the Maldives goes smoothly, make use of our tips. Velana Airport, located on Hulhule Island next to the capital Male, has its own particularities, knowing which will save you time and stress.

Arrival Time and Check-in. It is recommended to arrive for international flights 3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights, including seaplanes, 1.5-2 hours in advance. Keep in mind that the transfer from your resort hotel by boat or seaplane may take time. Whenever possible, check in for your flight online to avoid queues at airline counters.

Customs Control and Luggage. This is a critically important point. Strict rules apply in the Maldives: it is prohibited to import alcohol (even if purchased in Duty Free), pork and pork products, as well as items of non-Islamic religious worship. All luggage is thoroughly scanned upon entry. Prohibited items will be confiscated. As everywhere else, liquids over 100 ml and sharp objects cannot be carried in hand luggage.

Seat Selection and Waiting for Flight. When flying out of the country, we strongly advise choosing a window seat. The views of turquoise lagoons and scattered atolls from above are a breathtaking spectacle and the perfect end to a holiday. If you have a long layover, the airport has several lounge zones, cafes, and shops. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for instructions, food vouchers, or accommodation.

Economy and Convenience. If you want to save a little on food, consider the cafes in the public zone before passing security control — prices there are often lower than in establishments after passport control. Transfers to Male or other islands are best booked in advance through your hotel or trusted services — this often works out cheaper than negotiating on the spot. Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport to help you stay connected while waiting for your flight.