List of Airports in Maldives
As of 2024, there are 5 airports throughout the country of Maldives according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Maldives are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Maldives
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gan/Seenu Airport | GAN | Gan Island | Small |
| 2 | Hanimaadhoo Airport | HAQ | Hanimaadhoo | Small |
| 3 | Kaadedhdhoo Airport | KDM | Kaadedhdhoo | Small |
| 4 | Kadhdhoo Airport | KDO | Kadhdhoo | Small |
| 5 | Male International Airport | MLE | Male | Large |
Major Airports in Maldives
1. Velana International Airport (MLE)
Airport Code
- MLE
Time Zone
- Maldives Standard Time (MST) UTC +5:00
Address
- Hulhulé, Malé, Maldives
Nearby Cities
- Malé (0.6 miles)
- Hulhumalé (2.5 miles)
- Villingili (2.8 miles)
Major Airlines Served
- Qatar Airways
- Emirates
- Turkish Airlines
- SriLankan Airlines
- Singapore Airlines
- Air India
- Flydubai
Annual Passenger Traffic
- Approximately 4.5 million passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Velana International Airport, previously known as Malé International Airport, is located on Hulhulé Island, approximately 0.6 miles from the capital city of Malé. It is the primary international gateway for the Maldives, serving both domestic and international flights. The airport was originally opened in 1966 as a small airstrip, and over the years, it has undergone significant expansion. The first major expansion occurred in 1981 when the runway was extended, enabling the airport to accommodate larger aircraft. Further expansions in the 2000s helped to increase capacity and transform the airport into a major regional hub for tourism.
In 2011, the airport was rebranded as Velana International Airport, named after the family of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, and has since become a key international hub in South Asia. The airport handles flights from a wide range of international destinations, with regular connections to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. It is strategically located to serve as a primary stopover for travelers heading to the Maldives’ luxury resorts, which are spread across the islands. Today, Velana International Airport plays a crucial role in the Maldives’ tourism-driven economy, with millions of passengers passing through annually.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Velana International Airport is equipped with two runways:
- Runway 1: 3,400 meters (11,155 feet) – Capable of handling large aircraft, including wide-body jets.
- Runway 2: 1,750 meters (5,741 feet) – Primarily used for domestic flights and smaller aircraft.
The airport is well-equipped to handle a significant volume of passenger traffic and wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 777 and Airbus A380. The infrastructure has been developed with passenger comfort in mind, featuring modern terminal facilities, a duty-free shopping area, lounges, and various dining options. In addition, the airport has a dedicated seaplane terminal that serves passengers traveling to resorts in remote locations. The airport also provides services like free Wi-Fi, baggage handling, and transportation options to other islands via boats and seaplanes.
2. Gan International Airport (GAN)
Airport Code
- GAN
Time Zone
- Maldives Standard Time (MST) UTC +5:00
Address
- Gan, Laamu Atoll, Maldives
Nearby Cities
- Gan (0 miles)
- Laamu Atoll (1.5 miles)
- Maamendhoo (3 miles)
Major Airlines Served
- FlyMe
- Maldivian
- SriLankan Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic
- Approximately 200,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Gan International Airport is located in Laamu Atoll in the southern part of the Maldives, on the island of Gan. It was originally a military airstrip constructed by the British during World War II. Following the closure of the British base in 1976, the airport was repurposed for civilian use and began to serve the public in the 1980s. The airport’s location in the southern Maldives makes it a vital hub for connecting flights to and from the capital Malé and various international destinations.
Over the years, Gan International Airport has been upgraded several times to handle increased passenger traffic and improve its facilities. It is now an important gateway for travelers to the southern and central Maldives, particularly those traveling to resorts in the region. The airport offers both domestic and international flights, with several regional airlines operating out of the facility. Its proximity to popular tourist destinations makes it an essential part of the Maldives’ tourism infrastructure.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Gan International Airport has a single runway that is 2,500 meters (8,202 feet) long. This runway is capable of handling narrow-body and some wide-body aircraft, including the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. However, the airport’s capacity for wide-body aircraft is somewhat limited compared to larger international airports in the region. The terminal offers various amenities for passengers, including baggage handling, check-in counters, and a duty-free shop. While the airport is smaller than Velana International Airport, it serves a significant role in providing access to the southern Maldives, with transportation links to nearby islands via boats and seaplanes.
3. Maamigili Airport (VAM)
Airport Code
- VAM
Time Zone
- Maldives Standard Time (MST) UTC +5:00
Address
- Maamigili, Alif Dhaal Atoll, Maldives
Nearby Cities
- Maamigili (0 miles)
- Dhigurah (3 miles)
- Rasdhoo (6 miles)
Major Airlines Served
- Air Maldives
- FlyMe
Annual Passenger Traffic
- Approximately 100,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Maamigili Airport, located on Maamigili Island in Alif Dhaal Atoll, is a regional airport that serves the central and southern Maldives. The airport was originally a small airstrip built for domestic travel and has grown in size and importance over the years as tourism in the region has expanded. Although the airport is much smaller than Velana International Airport, it plays a vital role in providing access to some of the Maldives’ most popular resort islands in the central atolls. Maamigili is an ideal gateway for tourists looking to visit remote resort areas.
The airport was initially developed to serve the local population but has undergone significant upgrades in recent years to cater to the growing demand for air travel to the Maldives’ resorts. With its strategic location, it has become a key link in the Maldives’ transportation infrastructure. As tourism continues to increase in the central and southern atolls, Maamigili Airport is expected to play an even greater role in the coming years.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Maamigili Airport has a single runway measuring 1,400 meters (4,593 feet) in length. While the runway is adequate for smaller aircraft, it does not have the capacity to handle larger, wide-body jets like those at Velana International Airport. The airport is primarily used for domestic flights and regional connections, with some international flights during the peak season. The facilities at Maamigili include a small terminal with basic amenities, such as a ticket counter, waiting area, and a small shop. The airport also offers seaplane services to nearby islands and resorts.
4. Dharavandhoo Airport (DRV)
Airport Code
- DRV
Time Zone
- Maldives Standard Time (MST) UTC +5:00
Address
- Dharavandhoo, Baa Atoll, Maldives
Nearby Cities
- Dharavandhoo (0 miles)
- Eydhafushi (6 miles)
- Kihaadhuffaru (8 miles)
Major Airlines Served
- FlyMe
- Maldivian
Annual Passenger Traffic
- Approximately 30,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Dharavandhoo Airport is located on Dharavandhoo Island in Baa Atoll, in the northern part of the Maldives. Opened in 2012, the airport was developed to serve the northern atolls, providing easier access for tourists visiting the region’s luxury resorts. Dharavandhoo Airport is a relatively new addition to the Maldives’ network of airports but has quickly become an important hub for connecting flights to resorts in the region. The airport plays a crucial role in promoting tourism to Baa Atoll, which has become known for its beautiful coral reefs and biodiversity.
Dharavandhoo Airport’s construction was part of the government’s initiative to boost tourism outside the heavily visited areas around Malé and the southern atolls. Its opening helped reduce travel times to the northern resorts, which had previously been served only by seaplanes from Malé.
Facilities and Infrastructure
The airport has a single runway measuring 1,200 meters (3,937 feet), which is suitable for smaller regional aircraft but not large, wide-body planes. The runway can accommodate turboprop aircraft, such as the ATR 72, which are commonly used for domestic flights within the Maldives. While the airport’s infrastructure is modest, it is equipped with necessary facilities like check-in counters, a waiting area, and baggage handling services. Dharavandhoo Airport also has seaplane services, which provide transportation to other islands and resorts in the Baa Atoll region.
5. Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HAQ)
Airport Code
- HAQ
Time Zone
- Maldives Standard Time (MST) UTC +5:00
Address
- Hanimaadhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
Nearby Cities
- Hanimaadhoo (0 miles)
- Dhidhdhoo (9 miles)
- Kulhudhuffushi (14 miles)
Major Airlines Served
- Maldivian
- FlyMe
Annual Passenger Traffic
- Approximately 70,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Hanimaadhoo International Airport is located in the northern Maldives, on the island of Hanimaadhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll. The airport was first established in 1993 as a small domestic facility but has undergone significant expansion to accommodate international flights. The airport’s location in the northern part of the Maldives makes it a crucial point for connecting flights between Malé and the less-visited regions in the north.
Over the years, Hanimaadhoo has grown in prominence, with regular flights now connecting it to major hubs like Malé, and seasonal flights to destinations in India and Sri Lanka. It serves as a key gateway for travelers heading to the northern Maldives, particularly those visiting resorts in the region.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Hanimaadhoo Airport has a single runway measuring 2,200 meters (7,218 feet). The runway is capable of handling medium-sized aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320, but it is not designed to accommodate larger wide-body aircraft. The airport has a modern terminal, offering basic amenities such as a waiting area, ticketing services, and a small café. It also operates seaplane services to various islands in the region. Although smaller than the major airports in the Maldives, Hanimaadhoo plays a key role in the country’s air transport network.
