Velana International Airport

Velana International Airport (IATA: MLE, ICAO: VRMM) is the main international airport of the Maldives, located on Hulhulé Island, approximately 2 km from the capital city Malé. It serves as the primary gateway for international tourism and domestic travel across the Maldivian archipelago. The airport is operated by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) and is one of the busiest airports in South Asia due to the Maldives’ prominence as a global luxury travel destination.

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History

The airport was officially opened in 1960 with a simple runway constructed by local volunteers. Commercial operations began in 1964, making it the first modern airport in the Maldives. Over the decades, Velana International Airport underwent major expansions, including a new passenger terminal, upgraded runway, modern cargo facilities, and advanced seaplane operations.
Originally named Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, it was renamed Velana International Airport in 2017 to honour former Maldivian President Ibrahim Nasir.

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Location

Velana International Airport is situated on Hulhulé Island, connected to Malé and Hulhumalé via the Sinamalé Bridge. Its strategic central location ensures rapid access to hundreds of nearby resorts and inhabited islands.

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Terminals

International Terminal

• Handles all international arrivals and departures
• Equipped with modern check-in counters, immigration desks, duty-free shops, and lounges
• Designed to accommodate millions of visitors each year

Domestic Terminal

• Handles domestic flights operated by carriers such as Maldivian and Manta Air
• Offers easy connectivity for passengers travelling to distant atolls

Seaplane Terminal

• One of the largest seaplane hubs in the world
• Used by Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) and Manta Air
• Primary mode of transport for reaching remote island resorts

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Airlines and Destinations

Velana International Airport is served by numerous global and regional airlines, including:

• Emirates
• Qatar Airways
• Etihad Airways
• Singapore Airlines
• SriLankan Airlines
• IndiGo, Air India, Vistara
• Turkish Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa (seasonal services)

The airport provides connections to major cities across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

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Facilities

Passenger Amenities

• Duty-free shopping
• Restaurants and cafés
• Currency exchange and ATMs
• Free Wi-Fi in select areas
• Medical centre
• Prayer rooms
• Retail stores and convenience shops

Lounges

• Plaza Premium Lounge
• Airline-specific lounges for premium travellers
• Dedicated lounges for domestic and seaplane passengers

Ground Services

• Porter services
• Lost & found
• Special assistance for passengers with reduced mobility
• Baggage wrapping

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Runways

Velana International Airport features a 3,400-metre long, code-F runway, suitable for wide-body aircraft including the Airbus A380. The previous runway is now used as a taxiway to improve aircraft movement efficiency.

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Transportation: How to Reach

From Malé

• Taxi/Car: 10–15 minutes via Sinamalé Bridge
• Public Bus: Frequent services connecting Malé and the airport
• Boat/Ferry: Earlier ferries have been replaced largely by road transport

From Hulhumalé

• Taxi/Car: Approximately 10 minutes
• Public Bus: A cost-effective alternative

To Resorts and Islands

• Speedboat Transfers: Common for nearby islands
• Seaplanes: Preferred for distant resorts
• Domestic Flights: Combined with short boat rides for faraway atolls

Resort representatives typically greet passengers at the airport to arrange onward transfers.

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Passenger Traffic

Velana International Airport handles millions of travellers annually, with the peak season running from November to April, which aligns with the Maldives’ dry season and tourism demand.

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Expansion and Modernization

Recent and ongoing development projects include:

• A new international terminal
• Upgraded cargo facilities
• Expanded aircraft parking apron
• Enhanced seaplane terminal capacity
  These upgrades support the Maldives’ growing tourism and aviation needs.

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Nearby Attractions

• Malé City: Markets, mosques, museums, and local eateries
• Hulhumalé Beach: Popular for transit stays and water sports
• Artificial Beach: A scenic spot in Malé

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Conclusion

Velana International Airport stands as the heart of aviation in the Maldives, offering exceptional connectivity, modern infrastructure, and seamless access to the nation’s world-famous islands. For both domestic and international travellers, it ensures a smooth, efficient, and welcoming start to their Maldivian journey.