All Maldives Airports: International & Domestic Airports Guide 

The Maldives is a breathtaking archipelago of more than 1,000 coral islands scattered like gems across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. 

Ready to touch down in paradise? Understanding the Maldives’ airport network is the secret to a stress-free escape. Whether you are landing at a major hub or hopping onto a remote tropical strip, knowing the correct Maldives airport is essential for every traveller.

If you have ever wondered how many airports there are in the Maldives or need a specific airport code for your booking, we have got you covered. From discovering how many international airports in the Maldives welcome global flights to finding domestic airports across the islands, this guide will help make your journey smoother.

International Airports in the Maldives

The Maldives is home to five international airports that serve as important gateways, connecting global travellers to the country’s stunning atolls and luxury resorts. While Velana International Airport (MLE) is the primary hub, these strategically located terminals provide essential access to the northern and southern regions for commercial and private flights. 

Velana International Airport

Located on Hulhulé Island, Velana International Airport (VIA) is the Maldives’ primary hub. Originally a 1960s airstrip, it has recently opened its state-of-the-art International Terminal 1 to handle more than 7.5 million passengers a year. Its 3,400-metre runway accommodates giants like the Airbus A380, connecting islands to the world. VIA has three terminals: International, Domestic, and the Noovilu Seaplane terminals. The airport allows travellers access to various resorts via Trans Maldivian Airways or reach remote southern atolls through domestic links and MTCC ferry services. 

Location: Hulhulé Island

Purpose: Handles most international flights

Maafaru International Airport

Located in Noonu Atoll, Maafaru International Airport (NMF) is a key luxury gateway to the northern Maldives. Opened in 2019 and later upgraded, its 2,850-metre runway can handle wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 787 as well as private jets. The airport includes a dedicated VIP lounge and expanded facilities for high-end travellers. It mainly serves nearby luxury resorts, offering smooth transfers by speedboat or seaplane and allowing visitors to bypass Malé with direct international and domestic connections.

Location: Noonu Atoll

Purpose: Handles private jet traffic in the Northern Maldives 

Hanimaadhoo International Airport

Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HAQ) is now an important hub for the northern Maldives. After recent upgrades, it has a modern runway that can handle aircraft like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. The airport also has a new terminal built to serve 1.3 million passengers annually. As the main gateway to the Haa Dhaalu and Haa Alifu atolls, this airport offers direct international flights to India. It also makes it easy to reach nearby guesthouses and luxury resorts with rapid speedboat transfers.

Location: Haa Dhaalu Atoll

Purpose: Connects regional international routes and domestic transfers 

Gan International Airport

Gan International Airport (GAN) is the premier southern hub of the Maldives. Originally a British WWII airbase, it now has a massive 3,600-metre runway capable of hosting wide-body aircraft like Boeing 777s. A major USD 29.7 million expansion recently increased terminal capacity to 1.5 million passengers annually, adding modern duty-free shops, cold storage, and enhanced VIP lounges. Located in Addu Atoll, it offers direct international links via SriLankan Airlines and seamless domestic transfers to Fuvahmulah and Huvadhu.

Location: Addu Atoll (Gan Island)

Purpose: Southern hub for international and domestic flights

Villa International Airport (Maamigili)

Villa International Airport (VAM), located on Maamigili Island, is an important hub in the Maldives. About 108 kilometres from Malé International Airport, it offers easy access to the beautiful islands of Alif Dhaal Atoll. The airport has a single terminal with basic facilities, including a dining area and a prayer room. It mainly serves travellers heading to nearby luxury resorts and local islands.

Location: Alif Dhaal Atoll

Purpose: Regional hub for resort access and domestic flights

Domestic Airports in the Maldives

The Maldives has around 14 domestic airports that brVRNTidge the gap between distant atolls and secluded luxury resorts. These regional hubs are important for inter-island connectivity, offering travellers efficient access to the country’s diverse local cultures and UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. 

Hoarafushi Airport

Opened in late 2020, Hoarafushi Airport (HRF) is the modern gateway to the northernmost Maldives. Located in Haa Alifu Atoll near the city of Dhihdhoo, this domestic hub features a fresh, air-conditioned terminal on reclaimed land. It connects travellers to Velana International Airport and regional spots like Kulhudhuffushi. Its stunning seaside runway offers breathtaking ocean views upon landing. Once you land, quick speedboat transfers take you to nearby resorts, making these northern islands easy to reach.

Location: Haa Alifu Atoll

Purpose: Northern domestic airport connecting remote islands

Kulhudhuffushi Airport

Located in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Kulhudhuffushi Airport (HDK) has been serving as an important domestic hub since 2019. Its single terminal handles up to 200 passengers, offering a modern waiting area with free Wi-Fi and local dining. As the airport is right in Kulhudhuffushi City, travellers can easily find local guesthouses via taxi or a short walk. For those heading to nearby resorts, private speedboats are the primary transport, as public ferries are limited. It is a fast, scenic entry point for exploring the northern Maldives. 

Location: Haa Dhaalu Atoll

Purpose: Serves Kulhudhuffushi City and nearby islands

Ifuru Airport

Ifuru Airport (IFU) is a specialised domestic hub in the Raa Atoll. It is approximately 177 kilometres away from Malé International Airport. Opened in 2015, it features a private runway that serves both the Ifuru Island Resort and the wider region. The airport provides seamless connections to Velena International Airport (MLE) via a 30-to-40-minute flight. Beyond domestic turboprops, it supports seaplane transfers and island-hopping. Its unique location on a lush, natural island offers travellers immediate access to luxury villas and stunning coral reefs without needing extra boat trips. 

Location: Raa Atoll

Purpose: Serves Ifuru Island Resort and regional travel

Madivaru Airport

Madivaru Airport (LMV) is a modern travel hub in the Lhaviyani Atoll that makes exploring the northern Maldives a breeze. Opened in 2022, its night-lit runway allows for easy evening flights. This means that you can head straight to your resort after landing in Malé International Airport without waiting until morning. Travellers can relax in a comfortable VIP lounge before catching a quick speedboat to luxury spots like Kudadoo or Hurawalhi. If you are staying on the nearby island of Naifaru, getting to the terminal is simple by taking a 5–10 minute taxi across the causeway or having your guesthouse arrange a boat for you. 

Location: Lhaviyani Atoll

Purpose: Offers access to northern resorts

Dharavandhoo Airport

Serving as the main airport for the Maldives’ only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Dharavandhoo Airport (DRV) offers a beautiful arrival into the Baa Atoll. Located 115 km from Malé, this domestic airport has a runway that appears to rise out of bright turquoise waters. Just a 20-minute flight from Velana International Airport, it allows easy speedboat transfers to top resorts and the famous Hanifaru Bay, known for manta rays and whale sharks. Ideal for divers and luxury travellers, DRV offers quick connections along with stunning aerial views of colourful coral reefs. 

Location: Baa Atoll

Purpose: Offers gateway to Baa Atoll and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Dhaalu Airport (Kudahuvadhoo)

Dhaalu Airport (DDD) is located on Kudahuvadhoo. About 40 minutes from Malé, this eco-friendly airport runs on solar power and can handle private jets. Since seaplanes don’t operate at night, it allows night flights for easier transfers. Travellers can relax in a VIP lounge and take quick speedboat rides to nearby resorts, with scenic views over Dhaalu Atoll along the way.

Location: Dhaalu Atoll

Purpose: Supports resort transfers and night operations

Thimarafushi Airport

Built on reclaimed land in the Thaa Atoll, Thimarafushi Airport (TMF) is an important gateway just a short flight from Malé. Its 1,200-metre runway appears to stretch over turquoise lagoons, offering beautiful views as you land. A key benefit for travellers is that it allows night flights, making it easier to connect with late international arrivals. Located just minutes from Veymandoo, the airport offers a smooth, queue-free experience with quick speedboat transfers to luxury resorts. Whether you arrive by domestic flight or seaplane, TMF gives you a relaxed and easy start to your Maldivian holiday.

Location: Thaa Atoll

Purpose: Connects central Maldives to Malé

Kadhdhoo Airport

Serving as the primary gateway to the stunning Laamu Atoll, Kadhdhoo Airport (KDO) is an important transport hub connecting Malé to the central-southern Maldives. Located just a 50-minute flight from the capital, this domestic terminal provides easy access to nearby islands like Gan and Fonadhoo via private speedboat or ferry. The airport is fully equipped to handle night flights, offering travellers flexible connections for late international travels. Whether you are heading to a local guesthouse or a luxury resort, KDO provides a smooth start to your tropical holiday. 

Location: Laamu Atoll

Purpose: Links Southern Atolls to Malé 

Kooddoo Airport

Serving as the gateway to the remote Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Kooddoo Airport (GKK) connects Malé with the Maldives’ deep south. Located a 45–55 minute flight from the capital, this domestic hub is essential for reaching luxury resorts. The airport allows night landings, making it easier to connect with late international flights on the same day. Mainly served by Maldivian Airlines, GKK provides quick speedboat transfers to top diving spots and beautiful coral reefs. 

Location: Gaafu Alifu Atoll
Purpose: Serves southern resorts and dive destinations

Kaadedhdhoo Airport

Kaadedhdhoo Airport (KDM) is a quiet gateway to the southern Huvadhu Atoll. It sits on a peaceful, uninhabited island about 340 km from Malé. A scenic 70-minute domestic flight connects the capital to this remote airport, followed by a private speedboat transfer to luxury resorts or local guest houses in Gaafu Dhaalu. The airport provides important connections to Malé and Kooddoo. Its remote location offers a truly off-the-grid arrival, making it ideal for travellers looking for untouched coral reefs and a more authentic island experience. 

Location: Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll

 Purpose: Connects remote southern atolls

Maavarulu Airport

Maavarulu Airport (RUL) is one of the newest additions to the Maldives’ air network, having opened in 2020. The runway takes up almost the entire tiny island, giving you a front-row seat to some of the best coral reef views in the country as you land. It was specifically designed to make the high-end resorts of the southern Huvadhu Atoll easier to reach. With its modern, compact terminal and quick private speedboat transfers, Maavarulu makes travel easy, so you can start your holiday as soon as you land.

Location: Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll

Purpose: Improves access to high-end resorts

Fuvahmulah Airport

Unlike most Maldivian hubs located on separate islands, Fuvahmulah Airport (FVM) brings you directly in the heart of this unique, single-island atoll. This means no boat transfers, you can be at your guesthouse by taxi within minutes. As a traveller, you will benefit from recent upgrades allowing night flights, providing seamless connections from Malé. It is the essential gateway for divers eager to see the island’s famous tiger sharks and explore its rare freshwater lakes. FVM allows a quick, stress-free start to an unforgettable equatorial adventure.

Location: Fuvahmulah Island (Gnaviyani Atoll)

Purpose: Serves the isolated single-island atoll

Funadhoo Airport 

As the long-awaited gateway to the Shaviyani Atoll, Funadhoo Airport (FND) offers travelers a breathtaking arrival over lagoons and coral reefs. This modern hub, which opened in 2020, significantly cuts down travel time to the northern islands, replacing long ferry rides with a quick, scenic flight from Malé. Starting in January 2026, the airport is fully equipped for night landings, offering 24-hour connectivity for international travellers. With its queue-free terminal and quick speedboat transfers to nearby resorts, Funadhoo ensures your tropical holiday begins the moment you touch down.

Location: Shaviyani Atoll

Purpose: Improves connectivity to northern Maldives

Faresmaathoda Airport

Located on Faresmaathoda Island in the southern Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Faresmaathoda Airport (FMT) is a key gateway to some of the Maldives’ most untouched coral reefs. A scenic 90-minute domestic flight from Malé brings you to this modern terminal, which is designed to handle everything from ATR planes to private jets. The airport is fully equipped for night landings, allowing for easy same-day connections from late international arrivals. With its comfortable, air-conditioned terminal and fast speedboat transfers to nearby islands, FMT provides a smooth and welcoming start to your southern atoll adventure. 

Location: Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll

Purpose: Serves remote southern islands 

Book Your Maldivian Holiday

Now that you know about the Maldives airport system and have every Maldives airport code at your fingertips, it is time to turn those travel dreams into reality. Whether you are seeking the ultra-luxury of the Noonu Atoll via Maafaru or a diving adventure in Fuvamulah, knowing how many airports in the Maldives are ready to welcome you makes planning a breeze. Also, all the airports in Maldives follow strict safety and security protocols as well.

Don’t let anything hold you back because The Maldives is just a flight away! Pack your bags, pick your atoll, and experience the world’s most beautiful arrivals.