About Malé Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (MLE)

The larger of two international airports in the Maldives, Velana International Airport, previously known as Malé Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, serves Malé Atoll, which is home to the country’s capital Malé. Our Velana International Airport guide includes information on facilities, how to get to the airport and nearby accommodation.

Airport news:

The airport was named in honour of Ibrahim Nasir, the second President of the Maldives, but in 2017 was rebranded as Velana International Airport, referring to the family house name of President Nasir, as part of a political aligning. In September 2018 a new runway was opened.

Information:

The airport information desk (tel: +960 332 3506) is located in the departures area of the terminal. A tourist information counter is available in the arrivals area of the terminal.

Website:

Driving directions:

From Malé city centre, head south on Chaandhanee Magu, turning left onto Majeedhee Magu Road. Turn right onto Boduthakurufaanu Magu, then left onto Midhili Magu, and finally left onto Airport Main Road which leads right to the drop-off area. The journey is about 15 minutes from start to finish.

Public Transport

Public transport water:

Ferry: A 24-hour ferry service provides transfers from Velana International Airport to Malé city (journey time: approximately 10 minutes; fare MRf10) or to various resort islands in the area. Taxis are available from the ferry terminal in Malé.

Speedboats/ Dhonis: These common means of transport are the most popular for getting to the capital city. The journey is about 10 minutes by boat (being that the islands are only 1km apart). Safari vessels are also available for exploration purposes.

Public transport air:

The Malé Ibrahim Nasir International Airport has connecting flights to all domestic airports in the Maldives.

Seaplane: Maldivian Air Taxi and Trans Maldivian Airways (tel: +960 330 5201; www.transmaldivian.com - they share the same website) are seaplane operators offering transfers between Velana International Airport and their various destinations in the Maldives.

Terminal facilities

Money:

A branch of the Bank of Maldives is located by the exit in the domestic terminal. Two foreign exchange counters are housed in the airport, one at the arrival terminal and the other at the first floor departure terminal. An ATM is located near the exit of the arrival area.

Food:

Excellent restaurants and self-service cafeterias are located on the ground and first floors of the passenger terminal. There is another restaurant outside the terminal building. Cafes, fast-food chains, and ice cream kiosks are also located throughout the terminals.

Shopping:

The duty-free shops on the first floor (departures area) offer a wide range of goods such as cigarettes, alcohol, perfumes, cosmetics, books, stationery, clothing, toys, electronics, confectionery, and souvenirs. Souvenir shops are located in the departure and transit lounges. A flower shop is situated opposite the post office.

Luggage:

A 24-hour lost and found counter (tel: +960 331 5366) can be found in the security office in the departures lounge. Luggage trolleys are provided free of charge, a 24-hour baggage storage is available in Arrivals. Additionally, baggage-wrapping services are available from MVR 155-310 depending on the size of the bag.

Other:

A healthcare centre for first aid and minor emergencies is available within the terminal building. The airport's pharmacy is located just outside the first aid office, next to the Bank of Maldives airport branch.

A special care service is available for expectant mothers and newly born babies. An outdoor children's play park and a play area in the transit area are also available.

There is a prayer room on the first floor of the departure terminal, while two fully air-conditioned mosques are located a short walk from the terminal building.

There are also shower rooms and a smoking lounge available for travellers.

The Wellness Club offers internet access, shower rooms, and massages for passengers.

Airport facilities

Conference and business:

There are two Plaza Premium (tel: +960 333 7335/ 7348) business lounges in the departures area. These are equipped with satellite TV, internet access, telephones and a fax machines and offer refreshments. Meeting and conference rooms are available at the nearby Hulhulé Island Hotel (tel: +960 333 0888; www.hih.com.mv).

Communication Facilities:

A post office is located near the entrance to the departures hall and operates from 0600 to 0100, or until the last flight of the day. International and local phone calls can be made from the cash and credit card phones in the terminal building. Wireless internet access is available at free kiosks located in the duty-free area and departure area. Internet stations are available via the Dhiraage outlet in the arrival plaza. The Wellness Club, located in the departure area, contains two Internet stations.

Disabled facilities:

Lifts and toilets in the airport are adapted to meet the needs of people with physical disabilities. Wheelchairs and stretchers are available upon request at the Customer Service counters.

Car parking:

There is no car parking at Velana International Airport.

Car rental:

Car hire is not available at the airport.