Velana International Airport

File:Getting ready for departure (3318704401).jpg

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. This runway was {{Convert|75|×|3000|ft|abbr=on}}. The first aircraft which landed at the airport was a Royal New Zealand Air Force Bristol Freighter, NZ5906,{{cite web |title=19 October 1960, Bristol Freighter, NZ5906, Hulule, First land-based aircraft to land at Hulule |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/112125468@N06/49466273588/ |website=Flickr |date=19 October 1960 |publisher=Steve Jenks |access-date=21 September 2020}} on 19 October 1960 at 13:55hrs. The first commercial flight was an Air Ceylon flight (Avro 748; 4R-ACJ) 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.{{cite web |title=History |url=http://www.airports.com.mv/History.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205162716/http://www.airports.com.mv/History.aspx |archive-date=5 December 2021 |access-date=21 August 2013 |website=Maldives Airports Company Limited}}

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 rufiyaa 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. The International Airports Authority of India successfully completed the construction of Hulhule Airport, which was formally inaugurated, on 11 November 1981, under a new name of "Malé International Airport".{{cn|date=March 2025}}

Maldives Airports Company Ltd (MACL) was formed on 1 January 1994 to operate and manage the Malé International Airport. MACL is governed by the board of directors appointed by the President of the Maldives.{{cite web |title=Corporate |url=http://www.airports.com.mv/Coporate.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215100130/http://www.airports.com.mv/Coporate.aspx |archive-date=15 December 2013 |access-date=21 August 2013 |website=Maldives Airports Company |df=dmy-all}}

On 26 July 2011, Malé International Airport was officially renamed as the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in memory of Ibrahim Nasir, the 2nd President of the Maldives and the founder of the airport.{{cn|date=March 2025}}

On 1 January 2017, the airport was rebranded as Velana International Airport, referring to the family house name of President Ibrahim Nasir. The rebranding is part of a strategic plan in aligning the airport with the economic vision of the Yameen administration.{{Cite news |date=27 December 2016 |title=Maldives’ main airport renamed ‘Velana International Airport’ |url=https://maldivesindependent.com/business/maldives-main-airport-renamed-velana-international-airport-128137 |access-date=3 July 2024 |work=Maldives Independent}} India has played a crucial role as a key supporter and financier of infrastructure initiatives in the Maldives, serving as a steadfast friend. India's Line of Credit amounting to $136.6 million significantly expedited the successful completion of the Male Airport project.{{Cite news |last=Nanda |first=Prakash |date=3 May 2023 |title=India ‘Shadowboxes’ China In The Maldives; Looks To Knock Out Chinese Challenge In The Indian Ocean Nation |url=https://www.eurasiantimes.com/india-shadowboxes-china-in-the-maldives-looks-to-knock/ |access-date=3 July 2024 |work=The EurAsian Times |language=en-US}}

In 2010, the Nasheed administration appointed IFC to run a bidding process for the privatisation of the airport. The bid was won by a consortium between GMR Group and Malaysia Airports who provided 1 billion rufiyaa{{cite news |date=24 June 2010 |title=GMR offers Rf1 billion for Male airport |url=http://www.haveeru.com.mv/english/details/31175/GMR_offers_Rf1_billion_for_Male_airport |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100628021033/http://www.haveeru.com.mv/english/details/31175/GMR_offers_Rf1_billion_for_Male_airport |archive-date=28 June 2010 |work=Haveeru Daily}} as upfront fee to the government for the expansion and modernisation of the airport by 2014, and its operation for 25 years.

By the end of the year, MACL officially handed over the aerodrome licence of the airport to the newly formed GMR Malé International Airport Ltd (GMIAL).{{cite web |date=25 November 2010 |title=GMR Group achieves financial closure of GMR Male International Airport Private Limited, Republic of Maldives and takes over operations of Male International Airport |url=http://www.gmrgroup.in/corporate/pressreleasedetail.aspx?id=242 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215092832/http://www.gmrgroup.in/corporate/pressreleasedetail.aspx?id=242 |archive-date=15 December 2013 |access-date=21 August 2013 |website=GMR Group |df=dmy-all}}{{cite news |date=26 September 2010 |title=GMR to take over airport operations after advanced payment |url=http://www.haveeru.com.mv/english/details/32504/GMR_to_take_over_airport_operations_after_advanced_payment |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617034948/http://www.haveeru.com.mv/english/details/32504/GMR_to_take_over_airport_operations_after_advanced_payment |archive-date=17 June 2011 |work=Haveeru Daily}} GMIAL announced that the development plans included reclaiming more land at the eastern end of the runway; where a new terminal is to be built. This terminal would consist of three separate bridged buildings. Plans for a separate cargo terminal were also announced. However, the project faced numerous delays.{{cite news |date=13 December 2010 |title=President hopes 2011 budget will speed up development projects |url=http://www.haveeru.com.mv/english/details/33546 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731180213/http://www.haveeru.com.mv/english/details/33546 |archive-date=31 July 2013 |access-date=21 August 2013 |work=Haveeru Daily |df=dmy-all}}

In late 2012, the new government of Maldives under the Waheed administration declared that the concession agreement was void ab initio and on 27 November 2012 gave GMIAL a deadline of seven days to 'evict the airport',{{cite news |date=27 November 2012 |title=Maldives cabinet passes to annul GMR agreement Maldives cabinet passes to annul GMR agreement |url=http://www.haveeru.com.mv/gmr/45837 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731193132/http://www.haveeru.com.mv/gmr/45837 |archive-date=31 July 2013 |access-date=21 August 2013 |work=Haveeru Daily |df=dmy-all}}{{cite news |date=27 November 2012 |title=MACL will now operate the airport: Finance Minister |url=http://www.haveeru.com.mv/gmr/45838 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731193347/http://www.haveeru.com.mv/gmr/45838 |archive-date=31 July 2013 |access-date=21 August 2013 |work=Haveeru Daily |df=dmy-all}} a decision which drew mass protests from the government's opposition, as well as criticism from the government and media of India.{{Cite news |last=Sharma |first=Rajeev |date=5 December 2012 |title=India, Maldives Row Over Airport Contract |url=https://thediplomat.com/2012/12/india-maldives-row-over-airport-contract/ |access-date=3 July 2024 |work=The Diplomat |language=en-US}} On 7 December, GMR handed over the airport to the government, and MACL was reinstated as the operator.{{cite news |date=8 December 2012 |title=Maldives govt completes take over of airport from GMR |url=http://www.haveeru.com.mv/gmr/46028 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731195411/http://www.haveeru.com.mv/gmr/46028 |archive-date=31 July 2013 |access-date=21 August 2013 |work=Haveeru Daily |df=dmy-all}}

On 18 September 2018, the airport finished a new runway. It is {{Convert|3400|m|4=0}} long and {{Convert|60|m|4=0}} wide, built to serve larger aircraft.{{Cite news |date=9 September 2019 |title=Velana International Airport opens new runway |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201809/19/WS5ba1b6dba31033b4f4656e59_1.html |access-date=3 August 2024 |work=China Daily}}{{Cite web |date= |title=Velena International Airport Expansion Project, Maldives |url=https://www.airport-technology.com/projects/velena-international-airport-expansion/ |access-date=2020-05-18 |website=Airport Technology |language=en-GB}} The new runway was only used as a taxiway until 2022, when the old Trans Maldivian Airways seaplane terminal - too close to the new runway, and considered a potential hazard under international standards - was finally demolished.{{Cite web |date=2022-02-02 |title=Maldives airport doubles capacity with new runway |url=https://hotelinsidermv.com/2022/02/02/maldives-airport-doubles-capacity-with-new-runway/ |access-date=2022-05-20 |website=Hotel Insider |language=en-US}} Although the new runway was inaugurated on 5 September 2018 by then president of Maldives, Yameen Abdul Gayoom, it was not in use for scheduled flights for 4 years from then until the runway was fully ready.{{Cite web |title=Velana International Airport has temporarily started using the new runway as a parallel taxiway. |url=https://www.routesonline.com/airports/14252/maldives-airports-company-limited/news/297487/velana-international-airport-has-temporarily-started-using-the-new-runway-as-a-parallel-taxiway/ |access-date=2022-05-20 |website=Routes |date=3 February 2022 |language=en-GB}}{{Cite news |date=6 October 2022 |title=New runway, seaplane terminal open at main int'l airport |url=https://avas.mv/en/123170 |access-date=3 August 2024 |work=Avas}}

On 26 June 2019, a Maldivian Airbus A320 successfully tested the new southwest apron at Velana International Airport. This was the first live flight operation testing by Maldives Airports Company as they awaited final certification for operations. On 17 July 2019, the new apron was opened for flight operations. The ICAO fully compliant apron has three Code E MARS stands, two dedicated Code E stands and one dedicated Code C stand.

On 6 October 2022, a new Seaplane Terminal was opened.{{Cite news |last=Zalif |first=Zunana |date=6 October 2022 |title=Largest seaplane terminal in the world - 'Noovilu Seaplane Terminal' inaugurated |url=https://raajje.mv/124604 |access-date=3 August 2024 |work=Raajje TV}} The terminal was developed by China’s Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) at a cost of US$55 million. In the world’s largest seaplane operation, the new terminal and dock can accommodate more than 100 seaplanes and operate 300 daily flights on average rising to 600 during peak season with the capacity to serve more than 6,000 tourists a day. With {{Convert|28000|m2|4=0}} of floor space, the four-storey terminal building includes offices, arrival lobbies, and 42 lounges, most of which are dedicated for resorts aside from the MACL’s VIP and business lounges.{{cite web |title=New Maldives seaplane terminal ready for opening |url=https://hotelinsidermv.com/2022/07/11/new-maldives-seaplane-terminal-ready-for-opening/ |website=Hotel Insider |date=11 July 2022 |access-date=7 October 2022}}

The foundation work of the new passenger terminal being constructed at the airport was completed as of December 2019.{{Cite news |date=17 December 2019 |title=The Foundation Work of the New Passenger Terminal Constructed at Velana International Airport is Completed |url=https://avas.mv/en/74991 |access-date=3 August 2024 |work=Avas}} The new passenger terminal is being developed at the south of the current international terminal and will have an area of over {{Convert|78000|m2|4=0}}.{{Cite web |title=New International Passenger Terminal Building |url=https://macl.aero/development/ongoing/1 |access-date=3 August 2024 |website=Maldives Airports Company Limited}} The current terminal was designed to serve 1 million passengers per year while the new terminal will have the capacity to serve 7.3 million passengers per year. Expected completion time of the new terminal is by 2025 and will cost about US$357 million. The project was contracted to the Saudi Bin Laden Group in 2019. The new Terminal is slated for early opening by July 2025, later becoming fully operational by Mid to Late-2025.{{Cite news |date=21 May 2022 |title=Facade and roofing works to begin at new passenger terminal of VIA |url=https://psmnews.mv/en/103051 |access-date=3 August 2024 |work=PSM News}}{{Cite news |last=Shahid |first=Malika |date=22 December 2022 |title=VIA new terminal expected to be complete in 2025 |url=https://edition.mv/business/26599 |access-date=3 August 2024 |work=The Edition}}{{Cite news |date=28 November 2024 |title=Velana International Airport’s New Terminal opening rescheduled to July 2025 |url=https://www.aviatorsmaldives.com/post/40080 |access-date=28 November 2024 |work=Aviators Maldives}} The expansion project also includes the construction of a cargo terminal and a fuel farm that is expected to be completed in 2020. The current cargo terminal permits the handling of 50,000 tonnes of cargo per year, the new terminal is expected to process 120,000 tonnes of cargo per year. The new fuel farm area is three times larger than the current fuel farm, while the current fuel storage capacity of the entire airport is 15,000 metric tonnes, the fuel storage capacity at the airport would reach 45,000 metric tonne by the end of the project. Under this project, an {{Convert|8.4|km|adj=on}} fuel hydrant has been installed under the airport to fuel aircraft. After the system is implemented, fuel trucks will no longer be needed to fuel aircraft, improving safety and shortening service time for the airlines.{{Cite news |date=24 May 2022 |title=New fuel farm, cargo terminal to come into operation this year |url=https://psmnews.mv/en/103195 |access-date=3 August 2024 |work=PSM News}}{{Cite news |date=16 August 2019 |title=MACL conducts tests on new fuel tanks at Velana Airport |url=https://avas.mv/en/68455 |access-date=3 August 2024 |work=Avas}}

The new runway became operational by 6 October 2022, with a Boeing 777 operated by Emirates from Dubai, UAE, landing on the new runway, with the existing runway being converted into a permanent taxiway, as TMA finished moving to the new seaplane terminal by August 2022. The old runway was closed by a departing Turkish Airlines Airbus A330 bound for Istanbul, Turkey.{{cite web |date=13 August 2022 |title=Velana International Airport's New Runway Will Become Operational From 6th October |url=https://www.aviatorsmaldives.com/post/869223415 |access-date=13 August 2022 |website=Aviators Maldives}} The runway was developed by the BUCG at a cost of USD 452 million. With the operationalization of the new runway, the waiting time between landing flights will be decreased from 15 minutes to 3 minutes. The previous runway only accommodated 8 flights per hour, while the new runway can accommodate 21 flights per hour.

The airport is at an elevation of {{convert|6|ft|}} above mean sea level. It has a single asphalt runway designated 18/36 measuring {{Convert|60|×|3400|m|abbr=on}}. The adjacent waterdrome which serves the large seaplane operations at Velana has 4 water runways, designated NR/SL, NC/SC, NL/SR and E/W, measuring {{Convert|60|×|1190|m|abbr=on}}, {{Convert|60|×|1100|m|abbr=on}}, {{Convert|60|×|1000|m|abbr=on}} and {{Convert|60|×|800|m|abbr=on}} respectively.{{cite web|url = http://www.icao.int/APAC/Meetings/2014%20waterAerodromes/WP1%20-%20regulatory%20req%20for%20water%20ad%20ops.pdf|title = Regulatory requirements for water aerodrome operations in the maldives|date = 2 June 2014|access-date = 6 February 2014|website = ICAO}} Runway NL is takeoff only and runway SR is landing only due to proximities to flying restricted areas.

The airport has three terminals: the International Terminal, the Domestic Terminal and the waterdrome Seaplane Terminal.

The airport includes the corporate headquarters of Trans Maldivian Airways.{{Cite web |title=Contact us |url=https://www.transmaldivian.com/contact-us/ |access-date=3 August 2024 |website=Trans Maldivian Airways |quote=Velana International Airport, P.O. Box 2023, Male’, Republic of Maldives}}

{{Airport-dest-list

| Aeroflot | Moscow–Sheremetyevo

| Air Arabia | Sharjah{{cite web |title=Air Arabia adds Maldives service from late-Oct 2024 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240722-g9nw24mle |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=22 July 2024}}

| AirAsia | Kuala Lumpur–International

| Air Astana | Almaty{{cite web |url=https://www.aviationpros.com/aircraft/commercial-airline/press-release/21238252/air-astana-air-astana-resumes-flights-to-the-maldives|title=Air Astana resumes flights to the Maldives|publisher=AviationPros|date=14 September 2021|accessdate=2 February 2025}}

| Air France | Seasonal: Paris–Charles de Gaulle{{cite web |url=https://www.aviation24.be/airlines/air-france-klm-group/air-france/air-france-expands-winter-2024-2025-schedule-with-new-routes-to-brazil-salvador-maldives-male-and-sweden-kiruna/|title=Air France expands Winter 2024-2025 schedule with new routes to Brazil (Salvador), Maldives (Male), and Sweden (Kiruna)|publisher=Aviation24|date=17 May 2024|accessdate=2 February 2025}}

| Air India | Delhi, Mumbai

| Austrian Airlines |Vienna{{cn|date=November 2024}}

| Azerbaijan Airlines | Baku{{cite news |last1=Liu |first1=Jim |title=Azerbaijan Airlines Adds Maldives Service From Nov 2024 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240902-j2nw24mle |access-date=2 September 2024 |work=AeroRoutes |date=2 September 2024 |language=en-CA}}

| Bangkok Airways | Bangkok–Suvarnabhumi

| Batik Air Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur–International{{cite web |title= BATIK AIR MALAYSIA ADDS MALE / SEOUL IN 2Q23 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230324-od2q23|work=AeroRoutes|date=24 March 2023|access-date=24 March 2023}}

| {{nowrap|Beijing Capital Airlines}} | Beijing–Daxing{{cite web |title=Beijing Capital Airlines resumes Maldives service in late-Jan 2023 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230113-jdmle |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=13 January 2023}}

|BeOnd{{cite web|url=https://onemileatatime.com/news/beond-airlines/|title=Beond, New All-Business Class Maldivian carrier to start operations from November 2023 and releases first routes|website = One Mile At A Time|date=11 October 2023 |access-date=12 October 2023}} | Dubai–Al Maktoum, Milan–Malpensa,{{Ref|1|1}}{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/231211-b4jul24|title=Beond Launches Bangkok / Milan in July 2024|website=AeroRoutes|date=11 December 2023}} Riyadh, Zürich{{Ref|1|1}}
Seasonal: Munich{{Ref|1|1}}[https://www.aerotelegraph.com/beond-legt-in-muenchen-sommerpause-ein aerotelegraph.com - "Beond cancels Munich from summer schedule"] (German) 27 February 2024

| British Airways| London–Heathrow{{Cite web|url=https://www.britishairways.com/travel/schedules/public/en_gb|title=British Airways - Timetables|website=www.britishairways.com}}

| China Eastern Airlines | Kunming,{{cite web |title=China Eastern resumes Kunming – Maldives service in mid-1Q24 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240213-munw23mle |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=13 February 2024}} Shanghai–Pudong{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230124-mumle|title=China Eastern resumes Maldives service from Feb 2023|publisher=AeroRoutes|date=24 January 2023|accessdate=24 January 2023}}

| Chongqing Airlines | Chongqing, Colombo–Bandaranaike{{cite web |title=Chongqing Airlines plans Sri Lanka / Maldives June 2024 launch |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240415-oqjun24sa |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=15 April 2024}}

| Condor | Seasonal: Frankfurt{{cn|date=November 2024}}

| Discover Airlines | Frankfurt{{Cite web|url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/294123/lufthansa-adds-mombasa-zanzibar-service-maldives-extends-to-year-round-in-ns21/|title=Lufthansa adds Mombasa / Zanzibar service; Maldives extends to year-round in NS21|website=Routesonline}}

| Edelweiss Air | Seasonal: Zürich{{cn|date=November 2024}}

| Emirates | Colombo–Bandaranaike, Dubai–International

| Etihad Airways | Abu Dhabi{{cite web |title=Etihad NW23 Network Changes – 09AUG23 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230810-eynw23 |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=10 August 2023}}

| FitsAir | Colombo–Bandaranaike

| Flydubai | Colombo–Bandaranaike,{{cite news|title=flydubai adds Male – Colombo sector in NW22|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/221012-fznw22mlecmb|work=Aeroroutes|date=12 October 2022|access-date=27 October 2022}} Dubai–International{{cite web |last1=Liu |first1=Jim |title=flydubai resumes Maldives service in from late-Oct 2020 |url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/294049/flydubai-resumes-maldives-service-in-from-late-oct-2020/ |website=Routesonline |access-date=29 September 2020}}

| Flyme |Maamigili

| Gulf Air | Bahrain, Colombo–Bandaranaike{{cite web|url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/285032/gulf-air-adds-maldives-service-from-late-oct-2019/ |title=Gulf Air adds Maldives service from late-Oct 2019 |publisher=Routesonline |access-date=2019-10-22}}

| Hong Kong Airlines | Seasonal: Hong Kong{{cite web |title=Hong Kong Airlines plans 1Q24 Maldives service resumption |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/231013-hx1q24mle |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=13 October 2023}}

| IndiGo | Bengaluru, Delhi,{{cite news|title=Delhi-Male Direct Flight by Indigo Restarts Operations From Nov 1, Details Here|url=https://www.news18.com/auto/delhi-male-direct-flight-by-indigo-restarts-operations-from-nov-1-details-here-8570664.html|work=News18|date=9 September 2023|access-date=10 September 2023|language=en}} Kochi, Mumbai{{cite web |url=https://www.goindigo.in/information/new-flights.html?linkNav=new-flights_footer | title=IndiGo new flights|publisher=goindigo.com| access-date=2018-10-06}}
Seasonal: Hyderabadhttps://www.goindigo.in/content/dam/goindigo/investor-relations/press-releases/2023/230905_IndiGo-brings-back-direct-connectivity-between-Hyderabad-and-Male.pdf

| ITA Airways | Seasonal: Rome–Fiumicinohttps://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240829-aznw24inc

| LOT Polish Airlines | Seasonal charter: Katowice,{{Cite web|url=https://biletylotnicze.itaka.pl/|title=Bilety lotnicze, bilety czarterowe i rejsowe, tanie loty krajowe i międzynarodowe - rezerwacja online | ITAKA|website=biletylotnicze.itaka.pl}} Prague,{{cite web|title=Tour schedule|url=https://www.cedok.cz/|access-date=27 October 2021}} Warsaw–Chopin{{cn|date=November 2024}}

| Malaysia Airlines | Kuala Lumpur–International{{cite web |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/22/malaysia-airlines-introduces-new-routes-to-maldives-chiang-mai-and-da-nang-tickets-on-sale-today/124909|title=Malaysia Airlines introduces new routes to Maldives, Chiang Mai and Da Nang, tickets on sale today|work=MalayMail|accessdate=23 March 2024}}

| Maldivian | Colombo–Bandaranaike, Dhaka,{{cite web|url=http://maldives.net.mv/7798/maldivian-begins-flights-to-chennai-and-dhaka/|title=Maldivian begins flights to Mumbai, Chennai and Dhaka – Maldives Insider|date=16 November 2012 |access-date=14 June 2019}} Dharavandhoo, Fares-Maathodaa, Fuvahmulah, Gan, Hanimaadhoo, Hoarafushi, Kaadedhdhoo, Kadhdhoo, Kochi, Kooddoo, Kulhudhuffushi,{{cite web |last1=Liu |first1=Jim |title=Maldivian adds new domestic sectors in 4Q19 |url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/287646/maldivian-adds-new-domestic-sectors-in-4q19/ |website=Routesonline |access-date=20 November 2019}} Madivaru, Maavarulu, Muli, Thimarafushi, Thiruvananthapuram

| Manta Air | Dhaalu, Dharavandhoo, Ifuru, Madivaru

| Neos | Seasonal: Rome–Fiumicino,{{Cite journal|author=|journal=OAG Flight Guide Worldwide|title=Rome|date=November 2023|volume=25|issue=5|publisher=OAG Aviation Worldwide Limited|publication-place=Luton, United Kingdom|issn=1466-8718|language=en|pages=894-899}} Verona{{Cite journal|author=|journal=OAG Flight Guide Worldwide|title=Verona|date=November 2023|volume=25|issue=5|publisher=OAG Aviation Worldwide Limited|publication-place=Luton, United Kingdom|issn=1466-8718|language=en|pages=1085}}
Seasonal charter: Warsaw–Chopin (begins 5 November 2025){{cite web|last=Liu|first=Jim|title=Neos NW25 Warsaw – Asia Charters|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250519-nonw25waw|publisher=AeroRoutes|date=19 May 2025}}

| Oman Air | Seasonal: Muscat{{cite web |title=Oman Air NS24 Network Changes – 29JAN24 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240130-wyns24 |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=30 January 2024}}

| Qatar Airways | Doha

| Saudia | Jeddah, Riyadh

| Singapore Airlines | Singapore

| SriLankan Airlines | Colombo–Bandaranaike

| Thai AirAsia | Bangkok–Don Mueang{{cite web |title=Direct (non-stop) flights from Bangkok to Male |url=https://www.flightsfrom.com/DMK-MLE |website=FlightsFrom |access-date=4 April 2023}}

| Turkish Airlines | Istanbul

| US-Bangla Airlines | Dhaka{{Cite web|url=https://www.unb.com.bd/category/Bangladesh/us-bangla-to-launch-dhaka-male-dhaka-flights-from-nov-19/80104|title=US-Bangla to launch Dhaka-Male-Dhaka flights from Nov 19|first=Md Ashequl Morsalin Ibne Kamal(Team Leader)| Niloy Saha(Sr Web Developer)| Shohana Afroz(Web Developer)| Jobayer Hossain(Web|last=Developer)|website=unb.com.bd}}

| Virgin Atlantic | Seasonal: London–Heathrow{{cite news|last=Mayling|first=Samantha|url=https://travelweekly.co.uk/news/air/virgin-atlantic-unveils-new-services-to-maldives-and-turks-caicos|title=Virgin Atlantic unveils new services to Maldives and Turks and Caicos|work=Travel Weekly|date=17 November 2022|access-date=17 November 2022}}

| XiamenAir | Xiamen{{Cite web |title=XIAMEN AIRLINES ADDS XIAMEN – MALDIVES FROM LATE-JULY 2024|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240624-mfjul24mle |date=25 June 2024 |website=AeroRoutes |language=en-CA}}}}

; Notes

• {{note|1|1}} : BeOnd's flights to Milan, Munich and Zurich operate with a refueling stop in Dubai-Al Maktoum. It does not sell tickets from Malé to Dubai.

{{Airport-dest-list

| IndiGo Cargo | Mumbai{{cite web|title=Flight History of 6E8409 (IGO8409)–Mumbai (BOM) to Malé (MLE)–IndiGo CarGo|url=https://www.flightaware.com/live/flight/IGO8409/history/20240304/1249Z|website=FlightAware|access-date=5 March 2024|language=en}}

}}

File:8Q-MBE (15969325498).jpg

As of October 2023, SriLankan Airlines is the largest foreign carrier into the Maldives with over 21 flights a week. Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, Sri Lanka is the most common direct stop out of the Maldives as it is served by SriLankan Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Flydubai and Gulf Air who operate a combined total of up to 7 flights daily between Sri Lanka and the Maldives.{{cite web|url=https://www.flightradar24.com/data/airports/cmb/routes/|title=CMB to MLE routes|publisher=Flightradar24|access-date=31 October 2023}}

• On 18 October 1995 a Dornier 228 operated by Air Maldives abruptly turned right, left the runway, struck the seawall and somersaulted into the adjacent lagoon while landing. The plane was written off. Of the eight on board, three were injured but there were no fatalities.{{cite web |title=Aircraft Accident History |url=http://www.aviainfo.gov.mv/publications/accidents/2008_1.php |access-date=3 August 2024 |website=Maldives Civil Aviation Authority}}{{cite web |title=Runway Excursion, Dornier 228 9M-PEQ, 18 October 1995 |url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/324600 |website=Aviation-Safety Network |access-date=8 February 2025}}
• On 15 August 1996 a Hummingbird Helicopter MIL Mi-8P lost control after takeoff due to a loss of hydraulic pressure. Four people received minor injuries.
• On 17 May 2004 a Trans Maldivian Airways de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 300 collided with the sea-wall of runway 18 after experiencing problems taking off from the seaplane base. Both pilots and one passenger were seriously injured in the accident. The aircraft was written off.

• List of airports in Maldives

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{commons category-inline|Velana International Airport}}

• [https://macl.aero/ Official website]
• {{SkyVector|VRMM}}
• {{NWS-current|VRMM}}
• {{ASN|MLE}}

{{Airports in the Maldives}}

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Category:Airports in the Maldives

Category:Airports established in 1960

Category:1960 establishments in the Maldives

Category:Seaplane bases