Velana International Airport (MLE)

Velana International Airport  is a unique airport serving the island region of Maldives. This airport also goes by the name Male International Airport.  It is a destination in its own right. The airport underwent many upgrades in 2017 to incorporate advanced amenities and services. Thus, owing to the location of the airport, it can be quite interesting to learn more about its details like the number of terminals, the airport code, runaways, and the different airlines operating from here.

Male International Airport (MLE) in Maldives is also known as Velana International Airport (MLE). Velana is the house name of Maldive’s former President Ibrahim Nasir. This facility offers services to almost all parts of the world and serves as the gateway to the majestic treasure island called the Maldives.  These details will help the passengers understand more about how the airport actually works.

General Information about Velana International Airport 

Male International Airport is a public airport owned by the government of Maldives and operated by the Maldives Airport Company Ltd. A general overview of the airport is given here: 

Male Airport Code

The Male International Airport code is MLE. This IATA code has been assigned to the airport for its location in the heart of the capital island Male. Its elevation above sea level is 1 meter and is owned by the government of Maldives. The MLE Airport code assigned to Velena Airport by IATA is a unique 3-letter code. As per ICAO and other institutions, the Maldives airport code is as follows: 

Male Airport Map 

MLE Airport Map shows the location and layout of the airport. It is a digitized version showing the structure of the airport. By having a quick look at this map, you will be able to locate the various check-in centers, luggage deposit areas, and retail stores present at the airport. 

Below is the official map of MLE Airport: 

Male International Airport Runways:

Velana International Airport MLE is served by 5 runways, four of which are on water. The dimensions of these runways are as follows: 

List of Airlines Operating at Male Airport Maldives: 

Velana International Airport is well-connected to numerous international destinations through various airlines. Some of the prominent airlines that operate flights to and from MLE include:

• Akish Airlines
• Cathay Pacific
• British Airways
• Air India
• Etihad Airways
• AirAsia
• Maldivian (the flag carrier of the Maldives)
• Wizz Air 
• Virgin Atlantic 

Airports Near Velana International Airport MLE 

Some of the airports located in Maldives apart from the Male International Airport are as follows. The distance of these airports from MLE is given below: 

Male Maldives Airport Terminals

The Male Airport Terminal map reveals that this airport comprises 3 main terminals. These include the International Terminal, the Domestic Terminal, and the Seaplane Terminal. These three terminals handle all the arriving and departing flights. 

International Terminal: 

This is the main terminal for international flights. This terminal is home to a variety of amenities, including check-in counters, immigration and customs desks, baggage claim, duty-free shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Domestic Terminal

This terminal is located on the same island as the international terminal, but it is a separate building. It is used for domestic flights within the Maldives. The domestic terminal has a smaller selection of amenities than the international terminal, but it still has everything passengers need for a comfortable journey. Check-in and baggage deposit centers can be accessed as well. 

Seaplane Terminal 

This is the Male Airport New Terminal terminal located on a separate island about 5 minutes away from the international and domestic terminals by boat. It is used for seaplane transfers to and from resorts and other islands in the Maldives.

Male Airport Arrivals 

While the Velena International Airport arrivals are supervised at the International terminal, the domestic terminal is used while flying to nearby destinations. The new terminal facilitates the operation of specific flights only as deemed suitable by the airport. 

Male Airport Departures 

The MLE Airport departures can be undertaken by both the domestic and the international terminals based on the flight schedules. If the airport is unable to accommodate you in a specific terminal, you will be informed about a transfer of terminals as necessary.

How to Get To and From Velana International Airport? 

The Airport MLE, though surrounded by water, is well-connected by different transportation modes. These are as follows: 

Seaplane

Seaplanes are the most popular way to get to and from Velana International Airport. Several seaplane operators serve the airport, and prices vary depending on the distance and the number of passengers.

Speedboat

Speedboats are another popular option, and they are generally faster than seaplanes. However, they can be more expensive, and they may not be as comfortable, especially in rough seas.

Public ferry

Public ferries are the most affordable option, but they are also the slowest. They run between Malé and the airport on a regular schedule, and tickets can be purchased at the ferry terminal.

Taxi

Taxis are available at the airport, and they can take you anywhere in Malé or to other islands in the Greater Malé Area. Taxis are metered. 

Private transfer

If you are looking for a more convenient option, you can arrange a private transfer from the airport to your hotel or resort. Private transfers are typically more expensive than taxis, but they are also more comfortable and reliable.

Male International Airport Parking Facilities & Options

Due to the location of this Male Airport surrounded by water, a parking facility was not available until 2018. Later, the Sinamale Bridge was established. Now, parking can be accessed in locations adjacent to the airport. It might cost you around USD 2 to halt your vehicle for one hour. It is recommended that you call the airline authorities in advance to confirm the availability of spots.

Male Airport Lost and Found

The Male Airport lost and found office helps passengers find their misplaced luggage and personal items. This office can be found near the departures area of the International Terminal. You can also file an online claim for your items on the official website of the airport. To connect with the airport authorities, you can dial the number +960 332 3506.

Lounges at Male Airport

As a convenience facility, this airport provides Male Airport lounge access. There are a total of three lounges at the airport located in both domestic and international terminals. The following are the lounges provided at MLE: 

• Maamahi Executive Lounge – This lounge is located in the International Terminal and offers 95 spots. Services like free refreshments, free WiFi, and free assistance will be offered to the users of this lounge. 
• Leeli Lounge – It can be accessed on the first floor of the International Departure Terminal and can accommodate 150 fliers. It opens at 6:30 a.m. every day and closes after the last fight of the day. 
• Moonimaa Lounge – It is located outside of security at the Domestic Terminal. It opens at 6:00 am and it can be booked in advance. 

Male Airport Security Wait Times

The waiting time at MLE Airport depends on the inflow of flights on that particular day. The higher the passenger volume, the more the wait time. On average, it might take around 15 minutes to pass through security. Sometimes, this can even be extended to 20-25 minutes. 

Facilities and Amenities at Male Maldives Airport:

To offer a convenient experience to the passengers, Velana Airport provides the following facilities to all the passengers: 

• ATMs
• Currency exchange counters
• Duty-free shops
• Food and beverage outlets
• Free Wi-Fi
• Luggage storage
• Medical facilities
• Pharmacy
• Post office
• Prayer rooms
• Showers
• Tourist information center

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)