Maldives Velana International Airport in Malé (MLE)

Maldives Airport in Malé presents a suitable start to Maldives tourism. Velana International Airport is the official name for the Maldives Airport which is located in Hulhulé island. The Maldives Airport code is MLE (IATA), while its ICAO code is VRMM.. It is also called Malé International Airport. This airport, with its wide range of facilities and easy accessibility is the right place to begin your Maldives holidays.

About Maldives International Airport (Code, Name, Flights, Hotel & Resorts, Transfers)

• Airport Name: Velana International Airport
• Serves: Malé
• Location: Hulhulé, Malé
• Elevation: 6 ft / 2 m Above mean sea level
• Coordinates: 04°11′30″N 073°31′44″E

Ibrahim Nasir International Airport which is the previous Maldives airport name, is the main international airport, connecting the world to these mesmerizing group of islands. So, basking in the tranquillity of Maldives, which one can see from Maldives airport images as well, while you enjoy the excitement of various water activities surfing, diving, snorkelling, fishing, etc. without worrying about the route and travel.

The airport is under the maintenance and administration of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), which is an independent corporation. This airport boasts of having the largest sea plane operations in the world.

List of International Airports in Maldives

List of Domestic Airports in Maldives

Maldives International Airport Location

Maldives Airport is located on the Hulhule Island, 6 feet above the sea level. It lies in the North Male Atoll, which is near to the Male, the capital island.

Maldives Airport Facilities

For travelers, various kinds of facilities have been provided at the Maldives Airport Male. Some of the facilities have been listed below.

24/7 Health Care-

One of the most essential facilities at any airport is the medical assistance. Maldives Airport offers 24/7 medical assistance at its healthcare centre. The centre offers first aid as well as takes care of minor health related emergencies. There is also a well-equipped pharmacy at the airport, offering almost all the general medicines that are allowed in the country.

Infant and Mother Care Room-

A special mother-care room has been built on the first floor of the departure hall, for expectant mothers and infants. If in case, any special assistance is required then you can ask the public relation officer for help. The office can be contacted at the information center.

Free Trolley Services-

At the departure and the arrival lounges of the both international and domestic terminals, baggage trolleys are available at no extra cost. Wheelchair services and stretchers are also available at the airport, which can be availed from the customer service counters.

Luggage Storage Services-

For those who would want to explore the surrounding area instead of waiting long hours at the airport, baggage storage services are available throughout day and night. At the arrival plaza, you can keep your luggage at a cost of USD 5 for a normal size bag and USD 10 for odd-size bags.

Baggage wrapping services-

There are also wrapping services available at the cost of USD 8 per wrap. These are available inside the departure hall as well as at the land side departure.

Free Shower Rooms-

If you don’t have enough time to go to a hotel and freshen up, then you can use the shower rooms that are located at the airport. These shower rooms can be used at free of cost.

Prayer Room-

On the first floor of the departure terminal, there is a prayer room as well. Along with this, there are two mosques at a distance of maximum 10 minutes-walk from the terminal building.

Smoking Lounge-

A separate smoking lounge has been built at the first floor of the departure hall, keeping in mind every traveler comfort.

Internet Kiosks-

At Maldives Airport, there are two designated areas for internet. Internet kiosks are located at the departure gates no 1, 2 and 3 and at the duty free area.

Maldives Post Office-

Near the entrance of Departure hall, Maldives post office is located, making the communication much easier for the travellers. It’s working hours are from 6 Am till the last flight, usually till 1 AM.

There are also Wataniya and Dhiraage outlets at the arrival plaza area. Dhiraage outlet offers internet facilities along with the option to make both local and ISD calls.

Banking Facilities-

At the domestic terminal, there is a branch of the Bank of Maldives. This is in addition to an ATM machine near the arrival gate and two money exchange counters.

Wellness Club-

If you want to just relax or pamper yourself, then visit the wellness club at the Maldives Intl airport. Managed by the Plaza Premium, the wellness center offers a wide range of services such as massages, refreshment packages, beauty services, etc. It consists of two seated massages, two shower rooms and two massage suites, internet workstations, etc.

Lost and Found-

At the arrival terminal, a lost and found baggage counter is located, which is functional 24/7 to assist travelers in case of any need. Travelers can contact the person in charge on Mobile no +960 7785366 or send an email to Lostnfound@macl.aero

Terminal Help Desk-

There is a help desk to offer every possible assistance to travelers at Maldives airport. Help desk number is +960 3323506 while the email id for seeking information is flightinfo@macl.aero. In case of emergency, tourist can call on duty mobile number +960 7972047

Airport recreational club-

At Maldives Airport Male, there is a recreational club as well. The facilities at the recreational club are primarily for the staff. However, everyone who uses the Maldives Intl Airport, can also access various facilities at the recreational club.

Some of the facilities that one can do at the club houses are gymnasium, billiards and cyber café. There is a wide range of games as well such as carom, dart, Galando, chess and many more.

List of Airports with flights to Malé (MLE)

Maldives Airport Map

Maldives International Airport offers hassle-free travel to everyone. Its extensive array of facilities and high standards of services makes the transition all the more hassle-free. To ensure easy navigation throughout the airport, you can refer to the Maldives Airport Map.

Shopping and Eating Choices at the Maldives Airport

Shopping at Velana International Airport-

For shopping lovers, Maldives Airport is nothing less than a shopping hub. There are many shopping sections, each offering ample choices for the travelers to indulge in.

The Maldives Duty Free section is a collection of duty free products, encompassing a wide range. From buying gifts for your friends and family back home or just treating yourself with something special, Maldives duty free is the right place to shop.

Another prominent section is the Liquor and Tobacco, offering various luxury brands of liquors, wine, cigarettes, cigars and tobacco, while the section of Perfumes and Cosmetics present travellers with amazing range of perfumes brands and best of the skin care products from all over the world such as Elizabeth Arden, DIOR, CHANEL, YSL, Clinique, Estee Lauder, H2O, etc.

For those who like to take the essence of Maldives with them, there is a souvenir section at the Maldives airport. From wooden crafts, batik sarong, hand painted t-shirts to lacquered boxes, there are a variety of options to choose from.

There is also a Confectionery and a Courtvision Spice Shop at the airport, selling special spices and condiments. Along with this, there is also Dhovemi, a retail outlet, at the Arrival exit gate.

Eating-out at Maldives Airport-

In addition to shopping, Maldives Airport offers equal exciting options for eating. There are a number of restaurants, which have been located at various parts of the airport, making it convenient for travellers to access. There are two outlets of The Coffee club, one at the food court near the departure gate while another one on the first floor.

At the departure gate food court, Thai Express and burger King are also located. Burger King is also there on the first floor of the departure terminal. Two outlets of Swensen’s are also located at the airport along with Swensen’s Story. Another place to look out for a pleasurable dining experience is the Dome Cafe.

How to reach Maldives Airport

Maldives Intl Airport is well connected to all the major airports in the world. The airport enjoy well-connected rest of the Maldives as well via speed boats and seaplanes.

As the airport is just 1 km away from the capital city, one can cover the distance by boat in around 10 minutes of time. There are also local boats called as Dhoni and speed boats for transportation between the airport and Male city or to the resort islands. It takes just 3 minutes of time by speed boat to reach Male city from the airport and vice versa.

Velana International Airports also has the facility of sea planes. These inter-island planes present a comfortable and fast transportation means from airport to the nearby islands.

Ferry Timings-

In front of the airport administration office, there are regular ferries between the Maldives airport and Male city. From Male city to Maldives airport and vice-versa, the ferries operate from 6AM to 2.30 AM at every 10 minutes, while from 2.30 AM to 4 AM, it is every 30 minutes.

From 4AM to 6 AM, the time duration between the arrivals of each boat is 15 minutes. However, on Fridays, the ferries operate every 10 minutes only from 6 AM to 12 AM.

Accommodation at Maldives Airport

If you are looking at Maldives resorts near the airport then you will find only one major accommodation facility. At the Maldives Airport that you can visit within a few mins of your arrival. Hulhule Island Hotel can be considered as the only Maldives airport hotel, which is situated on the same island as the airport. It is located at a distance of only 5 minutes from the airport. For commutation, a 24/7 shuttle runs between the resort and the airport.

Airlines flying through Velana International Airport, Malé MLE) & Code