Velana International Airport or Malé International Airport (MLE)

About Velana International Airport (MLE)

Velana International Airport is the main gateway to the Maldives and one of the most important aviation hubs in the Indian Ocean region. Located on Hulhule Island just a short boat ride from the capital Male, it is operated by Maldives Airports Company Limited and handles nearly all international arrivals to the country. The airport has undergone significant expansion in recent years, with a new international terminal and upgraded facilities built to meet growing passenger demand.

Male International Airport Details - Velana International Airport IATA, Address and Pin Code

• Official Name: Velana International Airport
• IATA Code: MLE
• Address: Hulhule Island, North Male Atoll, Maldives
• Airport Pin Code: 20077
• Distance from Male City Centre: Approximately 2 km (accessible by ferry or speedboat)
• Phone Number: +960 333 5555
• Old Name: Male International Airport (renamed Velana International Airport in 2016)

How Many Airports in Male?

Male is served by one international airport: Velana International Airport (MLE) on Hulhule Island. The Maldives also has domestic airports and a seaplane terminal adjacent to the main airport for resort transfers. All scheduled international flights operate exclusively through Velana.

How Many Terminals in Velana International Airport?

Velana International Airport has two terminals: the new International Terminal, which opened in phases from 2022, and the domestic terminal handling inter-island flights. The international terminal is a modern facility designed for increased long-haul and regional traffic. The domestic terminal manages the busy network of short flights connecting Male to resort islands and atolls across the Maldives.

Distance Between Velana Airport Terminals

The international and domestic terminals are within the same airport complex on Hulhule Island and are within easy walking distance of each other. No shuttle or transport is needed, making connections between international arrivals and domestic or seaplane transfers straightforward once through immigration.

How Many Runways in Velana Airport?

Velana International Airport has two runways. The main runway (18/36) stretches approximately 3,200 metres and handles all long-haul wide-body aircraft including the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350. A second runway was added as part of the recent expansion, significantly improving operational capacity and reducing dependency on a single runway.

Visa and Immigration for Velana Airport

Indian passport holders benefit from a very convenient entry arrangement. The Maldives grants a free on-arrival visa to Indian nationals valid for 30 days, with no prior application needed, making it one of the most accessible international destinations for Indian travellers.

Indian visitors should carry a valid passport with at least six months validity, a confirmed return ticket, proof of accommodation such as a resort or hotel booking, and sufficient funds for the stay. Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended given the remote island setting and the potential cost of medical evacuation.

Immigration at Velana International Airport is efficient. The on-arrival visa stamp is issued at immigration counters on presentation of travel documents, with no separate form or photograph required. The process is typically quick, allowing travellers to reach the seaplane or speedboat transfer desk without significant delay.

Velana Airport Lounges and Facilities

Velana International Airport has a business lounge accessible to business class passengers and Priority Pass and DragonPass members. General facilities include free Wi-Fi, duty-free shops with local Maldivian products, perfumes, electronics, and alcohol, currency exchange, ATMs, cafes, and a dedicated seaplane check-in area with luggage storage and resort booking desks.

Things to Do in Velana Airport

Duty-free shopping is popular, especially for alcohol purchases as most resort islands are dry. Local souvenirs including lacquerware and Maldivian crafts are available in the retail area. Cafes and small restaurants serve light meals and beverages. The seaplane viewing area is a unique highlight, offering a front-row view of the floatplane operations central to travel across the Maldives.

Places to Visit Near Velana Airport

Male city is a short ferry ride away and worth visiting for the Maldives Islamic Centre, the Friday Mosque, the fish market, and colourful local streets. Hulhumale, an artificial island with beaches and cafes, is connected to Hulhule via a bridge and just minutes away. Most resort guests transfer directly to their island by seaplane or speedboat.

FAQs About Male Airport - Velana International Airport

What is the Official Name of Male Airport?

The official name is Velana International Airport. It was previously known as Male International Airport before being renamed in 2016.

What is the IATA Code for Velana International Airport?

The IATA code is MLE.

Which Terminals Serve Domestic and International Flights at Velana Airport?

The new international terminal handles all overseas arrivals and departures. The domestic terminal manages inter-island flights within the Maldives. Both terminals are within the same airport complex on Hulhule Island and are easily accessible on foot.

Where is Velana International Airport Located?

Velana International Airport is on Hulhule Island, approximately 2 km from Male city centre in the North Male Atoll, Maldives. It is accessible from Male by ferry or speedboat.

When Was Velana Airport Built?

The airport on Hulhule Island has been operational since 1966 and has undergone major expansion from 2016, including a new international terminal that opened in phases from 2022.

Is MLE Open 24 Hours?

Yes, Velana International Airport operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, handling international, regional, and domestic flights throughout the day and night.

How Far is Velana Airport from Male City Center?

The airport is approximately 2 km from Male city centre. A public ferry takes about 10 minutes and is the most affordable option. Speedboats take around 5 minutes. A causeway connects Hulhule Island to the adjacent Hulhumale.

What Airlines Operate from MLE?

Maldivian is the national carrier. Other airlines include IndiGo, Air India, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Flydubai, Turkish Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines, and Singapore Airlines, among other regional carriers.

Are There Lounges at Velana Airport?

Yes. The business lounge in the international terminal is open to business class passengers and Priority Pass and DragonPass members, offering seating, refreshments, and Wi-Fi.