Muli Airport

Muli Airport (Muli Regional Airport) is not just a runway, but your personal gateway to the secluded paradise of Meemu Atoll in the Maldives. Forget the hustle and bustle of major international hubs; here, an intimate atmosphere and the ocean breeze greet you the moment you step off the ramp. This small domestic airport serves as a key transport hub, quickly and comfortably delivering travellers from Malé to the pristine white beaches and luxurious resorts of one of the country's most picturesque corners.

The main feature of Muli Airport is its compactness and efficiency. There are no long queues or complicated terminals here. The arrival and departure process is simplified to the maximum, allowing you to begin your holiday without delay. Immediately upon arrival, guests are typically met by hotel representatives for onward transfer via speedboats directly to their resort.

One of the main advantages of this airport is the incredible views that unfold during take-off and landing. A flight on a small propeller plane over turquoise lagoons and coral reefs becomes a thrilling adventure in itself and an excellent introduction to the Maldivian archipelago. Muli Airport is a perfect example of how the journey to a holiday destination can be just as pleasant and impressive as the holiday itself.

Finding direct contact details for a small regional airport like Muli can be challenging, as it lacks dedicated services dealing with the general public. Most issues are resolved through the airlines. Here is the essential information that may be useful:

• Official Airport Website: Muli Airport does not have a dedicated website. Flight schedules and departure status are best checked on the websites of the airlines operating flights to this airport (e.g., Maldivian).
• Information Desk Phone: A direct public phone number for the airport enquiry desk is not provided. It is recommended to contact your airline's call centre for information.
• Airport Address: Muli Airport (MUM), Muli Island, Meemu Atoll, Maldives.
• Email: An official email address for passengers is not published. All communications should be conducted through the air carrier.
• Airport Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social networks.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must immediately contact the Lost & Found service of the airline you arrived with.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Passenger support regarding tickets, check-in, and other services is provided directly by the airlines.

Getting to Muli Airport is a task with its own island specifics. Since the airport itself is located directly on the small island of Muli, the modes of transport familiar in big cities are not relevant here. The entire island can be crossed on foot in a short time, making walking the main means of transport.

On Foot

This is the primary and most logical way to get to the airport from any point on Muli Island. The distance from most guesthouses and hotels to the terminal is no more than 1-1.5 km. The walk will take you between 5 to 15 minutes. It is completely free and allows you to enjoy the tropical scenery one last time before departure.

Hotel Transfer

Many guesthouses on Muli offer assistance with transporting luggage to the airport. Usually, this is a small trolley or an electric cart (buggy). It is recommended to arrange this transfer with your hotel administration in advance. Often, this service is provided free of charge or for a nominal fee. This is not a taxi in the classical sense, but rather a service for guest convenience.

What Types of Transport are Missing on Muli?

There is no public transport on the island, such as buses, trains, or a metro. Taxi services and car rental companies are also absent due to the compact size of the island. Consequently, there is no parking for private cars at the airport either.

How to Get to Muli Island Itself?

It is important to understand that the main transport question is how to get to Muli Island itself from other parts of the Maldives. Travellers usually arrive at the country's main international hub — Velana International Airport (MLE) near Malé. From there, Muli can be reached in two ways:

• Domestic Flight: Regular flights to Muli Airport, which take about 30-40 minutes.
• Speedboat: A trip from Malé to Muli by boat takes several hours but allows you to enjoy ocean views.

Thus, when planning your departure from Muli Airport, you do not need to budget time and money for the road to it — you will already be within a few minutes' walk of the terminal.

Muli Airport (MUM) is a small regional airport, typical for the Maldives. Its structure is extremely simple and intuitive, making your stay here comfortable and eliminating the stress associated with navigating large aviation hubs.

The airport operates one small terminal that serves both arriving and departing flights. Its compact size is its main advantage. There are no long corridors, complex maps, or needs for lengthy transfers here. All key zones are within walking distance of each other.

The terminal layout is very simple:

• Departure Zone includes several check-in counters, a small security screening point, and a cosy waiting hall.
• Arrival Zone consists of a separate exit from the airfield leading to the baggage claim counter.

Since there is only one terminal, the issue of transferring between terminals is irrelevant. Check-in and screening procedures are very fast due to the low passenger flow — usually taking no more than 15–20 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately one hour before departure to complete all formalities without rushing. Getting lost here is practically impossible, and the main navigation advice is simply to follow the signs, as the entire process is linear and clear.

The history of Muli Airport is a story being written right now. As one of the newest aerial gateways in the Maldives, it cannot boast decades of operation, but its emergence was a landmark event for Meemu Atoll and the town of Muli which it serves. The airport was built as part of a government programme to improve transport accessibility to remote islands.

Major construction works began in 2021. The project aimed to create modern infrastructure, including a 1,200-metre runway, an apron for aircraft parking, and a passenger terminal. A key moment in the airport's short history was March 2024, when the first test flight successfully landed here. The official opening and launch of regular commercial flights took place in April 2024, marking a new era for the entire region.

Since the airport has only recently commenced operations, it is too early to speak of large-scale renovations or records. Its main achievement to date is its very existence. The opening of Muli Airport has significantly reduced travel time to the capital, Malé, and other islands, providing a powerful impulse for tourism development and improving the quality of life for the local population. It is a modern and functional transport hub, built from scratch to the latest standards.

Interesting fact: Muli Airport is a prime example of the Maldives government's strategy to ensure that every inhabited island is within a short journey by air or sea from major centres. Its history is not the past, but a future full of opportunities for the growth and development of Meemu Atoll.

Muli Airport (MUM) is a small regional airport in the Maldives, serving primarily domestic flights. The infrastructure here is quite modest and focused on meeting the basic needs of passengers before departure or upon arrival. It is important to understand that the airport does not offer the wide range of services typical of large international hubs.

Usually, a small café or kiosk operates within the terminal building, where you can buy drinks, light refreshments, and snacks. There are no full-service restaurants or duty-free shops here, so you should take care of purchasing souvenirs or other goods in advance. Regarding waiting areas, a general zone with seating is provided for passengers. Specialised VIP lounges or business lounges are absent.

Passengers may have access to free Wi-Fi, although its speed and stability may be limited. The number of power outlets for charging electronic devices is also small, so it is recommended to carry a portable power bank. Banking services, including ATMs and currency exchange points, are generally not provided at the airport. All financial transactions are best conducted in the capital or on major resort islands.

Basic medical assistance can be provided by airport staff, but there is no specialised medical centre. Passengers with children and people with reduced mobility are advised to notify their airline in advance regarding the need for special assistance to organise accompaniment. There are no separate playrooms for children or conference halls at the airport. There are also no hotels on the airport territory; however, accommodation options can be found on Muli Island itself and neighbouring islands.

When planning a departure from Muli Airport (MUM), it is important to realise that this is a small regional airport serving domestic flights. Consequently, the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited and not comparable to large international hubs. Passengers should not expect a food court or multiple restaurants to choose from.

Typically, one small cafeteria or snack bar operates at Muli Airport. It is located in the general waiting area, accessible to all visitors before passing security control. Here you can purchase basic beverages, such as bottled water, fizzy drinks, coffee, and tea, as well as packaged snacks — crisps, biscuits, and chocolate.

Sometimes the menu may include simple sandwiches or local pastries known as "hedhikaa" — small snacks, often filled with tuna. This is a great opportunity for a quick bite before your flight. However, the assortment is not guaranteed, so Muli Airport is a place for a quick snack rather than a full lunch or dinner. It is better to have a meal beforehand at your hotel or at one of the local cafés on the island.

Regarding special dietary needs, finding vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dishes here will be extremely difficult. All food in the Maldives is Halal by default. Travellers with strict dietary restrictions are recommended to bring food with them. Prices in the airport cafeteria are usually higher than the average on the island, and its opening hours are tied to the flight schedule.

To ensure your journey through Muli Airport goes as smoothly as possible, make use of these simple yet useful tips. This small regional airport serves mainly domestic flights, making it quite easy to navigate.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Muli Airport is not a huge international hub, so there is no need to arrive 3-4 hours before departure. Generally, arriving 1.5–2 hours before your flight is sufficient. Check-in and security control procedures here are fast and without long queues, which is a significant plus.

Seat Selection. This is one of the most important tips for travelling in the Maldives! Try to get a window seat. Views of the atolls, islands, and turquoise lagoons from a bird's-eye view are an unforgettable spectacle that will be a wonderful start or end to your holiday. If your flight is on a seaplane, seats may not be assigned in advance, so simply try to sit by a window.

Hand Luggage and Customs. As everywhere, liquids over 100 ml, sharp objects, and other dangerous items are prohibited in hand luggage. However, for the Maldives, there is a specific, very strict rule: it is strictly prohibited to import alcohol (even if bought in Duty Free), pork and pork products, as well as items contrary to Islamic norms. Your luggage will likely be thoroughly checked, so it is better not to take the risk.

Connecting Passengers. Most travellers arrive in Muli as part of a transfer from Malé International Airport to their resort. Usually, all transfer stages are organised by the hotel or tour operator. Simply follow the instructions of the airline representatives or the welcoming party. They will help you orient yourself and tell you where to wait for the next flight.

Saving Time and Money. To save time, keep all documents (passport, tickets, vouchers) at hand. Regarding money, note that prices for food, drinks, and souvenirs in small airports may be inflated. It is better to bring a light snack and a bottle of water purchased after passing security control.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay? Delays, especially for seaplanes, are not uncommon in the Maldives, as flights are highly dependent on weather conditions. Remain calm. Representatives of the airline or your hotel will inform you of the new departure time. Just in case, have a book, a charged power bank, or downloaded films with you to pass the waiting time.