Airport Maldives Island – List of Airports in Maldives 2024
Airport Maldives Island: Gateway to Tropical Paradise
The Maldives, an island nation renowned for its stunning resorts and inviting waters, has seen a remarkable growth in its airport infrastructure. This network of airports is essential for connecting the many atolls and facilitating the influx of tourists.
The Maldives boasts 18 airports, including 5 international ones and 13 domestic. This represents significant progress from a decade ago when there were only 5 airports. The spread of these airports across the numerous atolls plays a crucial role in enhancing accessibility and supporting the booming tourism industry.
List of all Maldives Airports
The Maldives, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, features a number of airports across its many atolls. These airports cater to both international and domestic flights, making travel within the country more accessible.
International Airports:
- Hanimaadhoo International Airport (Haa Dhaalu Atoll)
- Maafaru International Airport (Noonu Atoll)
- Velana International Airport (North Male Atoll)
- Maamigili International Airport (Alifu Dhaalu Atoll)
- Gan International Airport (Seenu Atoll)
Domestic Airports:
- Hoarafushi Airport (Haa Alifu Atoll)
- Kulhudhuffushi Airport (Haa Dhaalu Atoll)
- Funadhoo Airport (Shaviyani Atoll)
- Ifuru Airport (Raa Atoll)
- Madivaru Airport (Lhaviyani Atoll)
- Dharavandhoo Airport (Baa Atoll)
- Dhaalu Airport (Dhaalu Atoll)
- Thimarafushi Airport (Thaa Atoll)
- Kadhdhoo Airport (Laamu Atoll)
- Kooddoo Airport (Gaafu Alifu Atoll)
- Kaadedhdhoo Airport (Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll)
- Maavarulu Airport (Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll)
- Fuvahmulah Airport (Gnaviyani Atoll)
The Maldives is one of the most geographically dispersed countries in the world, with over 1,190 islands. This network of airports ensures connectivity across the atolls, bridging distances effectively. While many airports were initially built on natural islands, there has been a significant trend in recent years towards constructing airports through land reclamation.
Travelers benefit from both the scenic beauty during flights and the ease of accessing various islands. Each airport, whether international or domestic, plays a crucial role in boosting tourism and connecting people across the archipelago.
Maldives International Airports
There are five airports in the Maldives that cater to international flights. Below is a list of these airports, with Velana and Gan Airports being the most significant:
- Velana International Airport: Located in North Male Atoll, this is the primary international gateway to the Maldives.
- Gan International Airport: Situated in Seenu Atoll, it is the second major airport.
- Hanimaadhoo International Airport: Found in Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
- Maafaru International Airport: Located in Noonu Atoll.
- Maamigili International Airport: Also known as South Ari, located in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll.
Hanimaadhoo, Maafaru, and Maamigili are smaller airports that operate flights to nearby countries such as Sri Lanka and India. They are not yet equipped to handle large commercial aircraft, but this may change in the future.
Domestic Airports in the Maldives
Local Airline Companies in the Maldives
The domestic airports in the Maldives connect various atolls, providing essential transportation links. These airports are serviced by Maldivian, the national airline, FlyMe, owned by the Villa Group, and Manta Air, which has backing from several Maldivian tourism investors.
- Maldivian
- FlyMe
- Manta Air
Airports and Their Atolls in the Maldives
- Hoarafushi Airport, Haa Alifu Atoll
- Kulhudhuffushi Airport, Haa Dhaalu Atoll
- Funadhoo Airport, Shaviyani Atoll
- Ifuru Airport, Raa Atoll
- Madivaru Airport, Lhaviyani Atoll
- Dharavandhoo Airport, Baa Atoll
- Dhaalu Airport, Dhaalu Atoll
- Thimarafushi Airport, Thaa Atoll
- Kadhdhoo Airport, Laamu Atoll
- Kooddoo Airport, Gaafu Alifu Atoll
- Kaadedhdhoo Airport, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll
- Maavarulu Airport, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll
- Fuvahmulah Airport, Gnaviyani Atoll
These airports typically feature a small runway and a simple terminal, providing a unique tropical experience. While many are built on natural islands, there is a trend toward constructing them through land reclamation. The number of domestic airports is steadily growing.
All Airports in the Maldives from North to South
Airports in the Northern Atolls
The Northern Atolls in the Maldives feature eight airports, including two international airports, Hanimaadhoo and Maafaru.
Hoarafushi Airport, Haa Alifu Atoll
Hanimaadhoo International Airport, Haa Dhaalu Atoll
Hanimaadhoo International Airport is located in Haa Dhaalu Atoll in northern Maldives. Although considered an international airport due to flights to India, its runway cannot currently accommodate large commercial aircraft. There are ongoing discussions about extending the runway to allow for planes like Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s.
Kulhudhuffushi Airport, Haa Dhaalu
Funadhoo Airport, Shaviyani Atoll
Maafaru International Airport, Noonu Atoll
Maafaru International Airport, situated in Noonu Atoll, opened in 2019. It features a 2,200-meter runway that can handle aircraft such as the Boeing 737 series and Airbus A320. The airport has a single terminal with a VIP lounge.
Ifuru Airport, Ifuru, Raa Atoll
Madivaru Airport, Lhaviyani Atoll
Dharavandhoo Airport, Baa Atoll
Airports in the Central Atolls
The Central Atolls have five airports, including two international ones: Velana International Airport and Maamigili.
Velana International Airport, North Male Atoll
Velana International Airport is the main hub for the Maldives, located in the North Male Atoll near the capital city of Male. It has undergone significant modernization over the last 10 years. Historically, it has been known by several names such as Male International Airport, Hulhule International Airport, and Ibrahim Nasir International Airport.
The airport first opened in 1960 mainly for British military purposes and started receiving civilian travelers in 1962. Nowadays, it connects the Maldives globally with an average of 400 flights per day. Its 3,400-meter runway can accommodate large aircraft, including the Airbus A380. The domestic flight terminal and the nearby seaplane terminal make it a vital transportation hub.
Villa International Airport Maamigili, Raa Atoll
Villa International Airport Maamigili, located in Raa Atoll, was originally a domestic airport that opened in 2011. It was later upgraded to international status for a few years before reverting back to domestic operations. Owned and operated by the Maldivian Villa Group, the airport has flights to Sri Lanka and India.
Dhaalu Airport, Dhaalu Atoll
Thimarafushi Airport, Thaa Atoll
Kadhdhoo Airport, Laamu Atoll
Airports in the Southern Atolls
The Southern Atolls feature five airports, including the international Gan International Airport, which is the second largest airport in the Maldives.
Kooddoo Airport, Gaafu Alifu Atoll
Kaadedhdhoo Airport, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll
Maavarulu Airport, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll
When flying to airports like Fuvahmulah or Gan, passengers cross the Equator, often receiving a special certificate to mark the occasion.
Fuvahmulah Airport, Gnaviyani Atoll
Gan International Airport, Seenu Atoll
Gan International Airport, located in Seenu Atoll, is the southernmost major airport in the Maldives. Built during World War II by the British Royal Air Force, it was handed over to the Maldivian Government in 1976. The second largest airport in the country after Velana, Gan International Airport supports large commercial aircraft including Boeing 777 and receives flights from Europe and Asia.
Potential Additional Airports in the Maldives
The Maldives may see the development of more airports in the near future, a prospect with notable implications for both travel and trade. Multiple projects are at various stages of planning and debate. Some are in the discussion phase, while others face delays due to local issues.
Some Notable Proposed Projects
- Huvadhoo Atoll: Discussions are in place for an international airport in this region, aiming for an opening by the end of 2023.
- Faresmaathoda Airport: Initially, this airport in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll was slated to be operational by the end of 2021. However, progress has been hindered and its current status remains uncertain.
Maldives Geography and Environment
The Maldives’ unique geography and environment offer interesting challenges for airport development. New islands periodically arise, and artificial islands are also a part of the country’s ongoing expansion. These factors are critical in strategizing future airports.
Current Infrastructure
Key Existing Airports:
| Airport Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Velana International Airport | Hulhulé island |
| Dhaalu Airport | Dhaalu Atoll |
| Dharavandhoo Airport | Baa Atoll |
| Funadhoo Airport | Shaviyani Atoll |
| Fuvahmulah Airport | Gnaviyani Atoll |
| Gan Airport | Laamu Atoll |
| Hanimadhoo Airport | Haa Dhaalu Atoll |
| Hoarafushi Airport | Haa Alif Atoll |
Conclusion
The expansion of airports in the Maldives remains a topic of significant interest and debate. The potential new airports, such as those in Huvadhoo Atoll and Faresmaathoda, demonstrate the country’s commitment to enhancing connectivity. The local geography and the environmental impact will continue to play crucial roles in shaping these developments.
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