Madivaru

Madivaru Airport is more than just a transport hub; it is a true aerial gateway to the world of the azure lagoons of Lhaviyani Atoll. This modern air harbour, seemingly floating above the ocean, transforms a tiring transfer into a breathtaking start to your holiday. Landing here offers the first unforgettable impressions of the Maldives, revealing a panorama of coral reefs even before you step off the plane.

Airport Features and Advantages:

Madivaru Airport stands out due to its novelty and well-thought-out infrastructure. Opened in 2022, it is equipped with a modern night lighting system for the runway, allowing it to accept flights even after dark—a rare option for small island airports. This ensures convenient connections for travellers arriving on international flights in Male without the need for an overnight stay in the capital.

Another significant advantage is the presence of a comfortable CIP lounge for passengers who prefer privacy and a high level of service. Thanks to its location, the airport serves as an ideal hub for quick transfers via speedboat to the atoll's luxury resorts, such as Kudadoo or Hurawalhi, reducing travel time to a minimum.

Madivaru Airport (LMV) is a small domestic airport serving Lhaviyani Atoll, including the island of Naifaru. Most information and service issues are handled through the airlines operating flights to this airport. Below are the main available contact details and recommendations.

• Official Airport Website: Currently, Madivaru Airport does not have its own official website. Up-to-date flight information is best checked on the website of the airline you are flying with (e.g., Maldivian).
• Inquiry Service Phone: There is no direct public phone number for the airport inquiry service. For all questions related to booking, flight changes, and other information, it is recommended to contact your airline directly.
• Airport Address: Madivaru Airport (LMV), Madivaru, Lhaviyani Atoll, Republic of Maldives.
• Email: A dedicated email address for general passenger inquiries is not published. Please use the contact forms or email of your airline for communication.
• Airport Social Media: Official social media pages for Madivaru Airport do not exist.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should immediately contact the Lost & Found service of the airline you arrived with.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Passenger support is provided by the air carriers. Please contact your airline's customer support service to resolve any issues.

Getting to Madivaru Airport (LMV) from the city of Naifaru in the Maldives is a simple and quick task, as the airport is located on a neighbouring island connected to Naifaru by a special causeway road. Given the compact size of the island, the trip will not take much time, although the specifics of island life impose their own features on transport options.

Taxi and Hotel Transfer are the most common and convenient ways to get to the airport. Local taxis operate on the island and will take you from any point in Naifaru directly to the terminal in 5–10 minutes. The cost of the trip is quite affordable. An even more convenient option is to book a transfer through your hotel or guesthouse. Often, this service is already included in the accommodation cost or offered for a small additional fee. This eliminates the need to look for a car and negotiate the price on the spot.

As for public transport, there are no conventional buses, trains, or metro systems on Naifaru due to its small size. The main means of getting around the island itself is walking, while ferries and speedboats are used for trips to other islands in the archipelago. Thus, public transport is not provided for trips to Madivaru Airport.

Car rental on Naifaru is not a common practice among tourists. The island is so small that there is simply no need for a private car. For this same reason, the issue of airport parking is generally irrelevant for travellers—parking spaces, if any, are intended for the local population and airport staff.

As alternative aerial gateways for travelling to this region of the Maldives, you can also consider other nearby airports. Among them are Maafaru (NMF), Dharavandhoo Airport (DRV), and Ifuru (IFU). However, it is worth noting that travelling from them to Naifaru will require an additional transfer by water, which will take significantly more time and cost more.

Madivaru Airport (LMV) is a small and modern regional airport, typical for the Maldive islands. Its infrastructure is designed for maximum simplicity and convenience for passengers travelling between atolls.

The airport operates with just one passenger terminal, which serves both departing and arriving flights. Thanks to its compact size and well-thought-out layout, orienting yourself here is extremely easy. The departure and arrival zones are located in the same building, which eliminates the need for long walks or the use of shuttles.

The terminal layout is very simple: after entering, you immediately find yourself in the general area where the check-in counters are located. After checking in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to pre-flight security screening, followed by a small but comfortable waiting lounge. Due to the low number of flights and the compactness of the building, all procedures, including flight check-in and screening, are completed very quickly. Usually, this takes no more than 15–20 minutes.

Despite this, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60–90 minutes before departure to complete all formalities without rushing. It is practically impossible to get lost in the terminal—all key areas are within walking distance of each other, and staff are always ready to help and direct passengers.

Madivaru Airport (LMV) is one of the youngest and most modern in the Republic of Maldives, and its history is an example of the rapid development of infrastructure for traveller convenience. Unlike airports with a century of history, Madivaru was built quite recently to meet the growing demand for fast and comfortable transfers to the popular resorts of Lhaviyani Atoll.

The official opening of the airport took place on 18 February 2022. The project was implemented to reduce travel time for tourists heading to resorts in the vicinity of Naifaru city. Previously, travellers had to use seaplanes or speedboats from Male, which took significantly more time. Construction involved large-scale land reclamation work to create a runway with a length of 1,200 metres.

Since the airport is brand new, its history has not yet been filled with high-profile events or records. However, its main achievement is its very existence. The appearance of Madivaru became a real breakthrough for the tourism industry of Lhaviyani Atoll. It allowed not only for reduced transfer times but also raised the level of comfort and safety for thousands of guests arriving for their holidays annually.

Today, Madivaru Airport is a modern transport hub designed taking into account all current requirements for aviation safety and passenger service. Its history is just beginning, and every traveller arriving here becomes part of this new chapter in the development of Maldivian tourism.

Madivaru Airport (LMV), being a modern domestic airport serving primarily tourists heading to the resorts of Lhaviyani Atoll, offers a compact but sufficient set of services for a comfortable wait for your flight. The terminal is designed to provide passengers with everything necessary before departure or upon arrival.

For those wishing to have a snack or drink coffee, a small cosy café operates in the airport. Here you can order light snacks, sandwiches, and beverages. There is also a small shop where you can purchase souvenirs, daily necessities, and travel goods. The assortment is not comparable to large international hubs, but it allows you to pass the time and buy something as a keepsake.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay in touch with loved ones or attend to work matters. Special stations and sockets are provided in the waiting lounge for charging electronic devices. Although the airport does not have a separate VIP hall, the general waiting area is sufficiently comfortable and equipped with convenient seating.

Financial services are represented by an ATM where you can withdraw cash. There may not be a currency exchange point, so it is recommended to exchange money in advance at larger airports or in the capital. For first aid, there is a medical point in the terminal. A mother and child room is equipped for passengers with small children, and a barrier-free environment, including ramps and specially equipped toilets, has been created for people with disabilities.

Since the airport is located on a separate island, there are no hotels directly on its territory. The nearest accommodation options are luxury resorts, to which transfers by speedboat are organised from the airport. Specialised conference halls or business centres are not provided at Madivaru Airport, as it is oriented primarily towards tourist transport.

Madivaru Airport (LMV) is a small and modern domestic airport that primarily serves guests of nearby resorts. It is important to understand that, as in most regional airports in the Maldives, the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest and designed for passengers awaiting their short flight. There is no large variety of restaurants or food courts here, unlike in major international hubs.

The main dining point is located in the departure lounge, after passing through security (in the so-called "airside" zone). Usually, this is one small café or a snack counter. Here, travellers can purchase basic items to comfortably pass the time before boarding. The assortment generally includes:

• Hot beverages: coffee, tea.
• Cold beverages: bottled water, juices, fizzy drinks.
• Simple snacks: sandwiches, pastries (croissants, buns).
• Packaged snacks: crisps, chocolate, biscuits.

If you are hoping to try local cuisine, the airport is not the best place for this. Authentic Maldivian culinary delights should be sought in the restaurants of your hotel or on local islands. Regarding dietary restrictions, please note that all food in the Maldives is Halal by default. Finding special vegan or gluten-free dishes in the airport café may be difficult, so it is better to rely on the ingredients of packaged products. Prices here, as in most airports around the world, are higher than in ordinary shops.

The café's operating hours depend directly on the flight schedule—it opens before the first departure and closes after the last plane of the day leaves. A sandwich and a drink are perfect for a quick snack. A full lunch or dinner at Madivaru Airport will not be possible, as the establishments are oriented towards light and quick bites.

Travelling through Madivaru Airport (LMV) is your first step to getting acquainted with the secluded and picturesque atolls of the northern part of the Maldives. To ensure your trip from Naifaru city and its surroundings goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips.

Arrival Time and Check-in: Madivaru Airport serves domestic flights, so procedures here usually take less time than in major hubs. We recommend arriving 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time will be sufficient to check in at the counter without rushing (if you haven't done so online) and pass through pre-flight security.

Seat Selection and Luggage Rules: The main secret of flying in the Maldives is the window seat. The views of turquoise lagoons and coral reefs from above are simply mesmerising. Regarding hand luggage, standard international rules apply: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml, and no sharp objects. It is important to remember that when leaving the country, it is strictly forbidden to export corals (alive or dead), shells, and other marine souvenirs found on the shore or in the water.

Customs Control and Transfers: Customs regulations in the Maldives are very strict regarding the import of alcohol, pork and pork products, as well as materials contrary to Islamic norms. If you have a connecting flight, clarify with the airline in advance whether your luggage will be checked through automatically. Transfers to other islands often include trips on speedboats or seaplanes, so allow sufficient time between flights.

Savings and Unforeseen Situations: To save time and money, check in for your flight online and book tickets in advance. Prices for food and drinks in small airports can be inflated, so it is better to have a snack before arrival. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, immediately contact a representative of your airline for instructions. Keep all receipts for expenses (food, drinks), which may be compensated.