Malé International Airport: Your Gateway to Paradise

Male International Airport, officially known as Velana International Airport (MLE),  previously known as Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, is the main international airport in the Maldives. Located on Hulhulé Island, just a short ferry ride from the capital city of Malé, this airport serves as the main entry point for travelers visiting the world-famous Maldivian islands. It is currently the only airport in the country offering international flights. Maldives Airports Company Ltd (MACL) was formed on 1 January 1994 to operate and manage the Male' International Airport. MACL is governed by the board of directors appointed by the President of the Maldives.

 

 

History and Development:

The airport first started out as a small strip of land on the then inhabited island of Hulhulé. Hulhulé  Airport was opened on 19 October 1960. The first runway built on Hulhulé Island was made of slotted  steel sheets. The dimensions of this runway were 75 ft × 3,000 ft (23 m × 914 m). The first aircraft which  landed at the airport was a Royal New Zealand Air Force Transport plane on 19 October 1960 at 13:55hrs. The  first commercial flight was an Air Ceylon flight (4R0ACJ) landed on this runway was at 15:50hrs on 10  April 1962. The first aircraft owned by the Maldives landed on the runway of the Hulhulé Airport on 9  October 1974. In May 1964 the government and the people of Malé worked together to construct a new asphalt runway. The four districts of Malé competed for the prize money of 1,000 rufiyaa, awarded to  the fastest district. On the first day 108 volunteers were enlisted for the project and 1,563.08 rufiya was  donated. The new runway was opened on 12 April 1966 at 16:00 by President Ibrahim  Nasir.

When the tourism boom in the Maldives began in 1972, the country was in need of an international standard airport to transport international tourists to the resort islands. So, on 11 November 1981, the airport was officially inaugurated under a new name of "Malé International Airport".

 

The airport resides at an elevation of 6 feet (2 m) above mean sea level. It has one asphalt runway designated 18/36 measuring 45 m × 3,200 m (148 ft × 10,499 ft).  The adjacent waterdrome which serves the large seaplane operations at INIA, has 4 water runways. The airport has 3 terminals. They are the International Terminal, the Domestic Terminal and the waterdrome Seaplane Terminal. The airport includes the corporate headquarters of Trans Maldivian Airways.

 

Facilities and Services:

Velana International Airport offers a range of modern amenities to ensure a comfortable experience for travelers:

• Terminals: The airport has separate terminals for international and domestic flights, along with a dedicated seaplane terminal for resort transfers.

• Duty-Free Shopping: Visitors can enjoy duty-free shopping, with stores offering perfumes, electronics, luxury goods, and souvenirs.

• Dining Options: Various restaurants, cafes, and fast-food outlets provide a mix of international and local Maldivian cuisine.

• Lounge Services: Premium lounges are available for business and first-class passengers, providing a relaxing environment with complimentary food and beverages.

• Currency Exchange & ATMs: Currency exchange services and ATMs are available for travelers.

• Free Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is offered throughout the airport. 

• Medical Facilities: A medical center is on-site for any health emergencies.

 

Transportation to and from the Airport:

• Speedboat Transfers: Many resorts provide direct speedboat transfers from the airport.

• Seaplane Transfers: For islands located farther away, seaplane transfers offer breathtaking aerial views of the Maldives.

• Public Ferry: Regular ferries run between Malé and Hulhulé Island.

• Taxi Services: Taxis and private car services are available for short-distance travel.

Airlines and Destinations:

Velana International Airport connects the Maldives to major international hubs across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and British Airways operate frequent flights to and from Malé.

Expansion and Future Plans:

To accommodate the ever-growing tourism industry, the Maldivian government has been investing in airport expansion projects, including the construction of a new runway, a state-of-the-art passenger terminal, and improved seaplane facilities.

Tips for Travelers:

• Visa on Arrival: Most nationalities receive a 30-day visa on arrival for free.

• Resort Transfers: Confirm your resort transfer in advance to avoid delays.

• Local Currency: The Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is the local currency, but USD is widely accepted.

• Best Time to Visit: The Maldives is a year-round destination, but the dry season (November to April) is ideal for clear skies and calm waters.

Final Thoughts:

Velana International Airport is more than just a transit hub—it’s the gateway to the serene beauty of the Maldives. With its modern facilities, efficient operations, and seamless resort transfers, it ensures that travelers begin their Maldivian adventure in comfort and style.

Whether you’re visiting for a honeymoon, a luxury getaway, or a diving expedition, Malé International Airport sets the tone for an unforgettable island experience.