Maldives — Airports

Ibrahim Nasir (Male) International Airport

The Maldive’s largest air hub is found on the island of Hulhule, just opposite the main island and capital city, Male. The airport is officially called the Ibrahim Nair International Airport, but most people know it as Male International Airport. On the global scale, this facility isn’t overly busy and only about 300,000 travelers pass through annually. An airport unlike any other found on Earth, the Maldives runway is found on its own island.

Several national, low cost and international carriers operate flights to and from the Maldives’ largest gateway. SriLankan Airlines is the busiest and others include Mega Maldives, Maldivian, Air India and Singapore Air. There are no direct US flights so visitors from the Americas will need to connect via another major airport such as London-Gatwick or Singapore.

The one terminal building has future plans to reclaim more land to expand and develop, but the current facility has no shortage of services and amenities including ATMs, banks, restaurants, duty free shops, airline lounges, first aid and a pharmacy at your disposal.

Since you’re arriving on a standalone island, buses and taxis are of no use. Tourists can head into Male via boat or ferry, which can also take you to the surrounding Maldives islands. In addition, sea planes are an important transportation option for newcomers.

Gan International Airport

Situated at the very southern atoll of Addu, Gan International Airport is the second largest facility on the archipelago. Connections are made to Male several times a day and a recent upgrade of the airport has transformed it into an important international entry point for three main cities. Mage Maldives, Maldivian and Expo Air fly to cities like Colombo, Hong Kong and Seoul.

There are only two main transportation options for tourists at Gan International Airport. Speed boats and ferries make it possible to reach the surrounding Maldives islands comfortably and conveniently. Despite being more expensive, sea planes are quicker and can be found in abundance.