Velana International Airport - MLE
Velana International Airport, also known as Male International Airport with the airport code MLE, is the major entry point for visitors to the islands of the Maldives. Located on Hulhule Island in the North Male Atoll, this airport is near to and serves the capital island Male. It was previously named Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, after a former president, and currently has 3 terminals: the Domestic Terminal, International Terminal, and the Seaplane Terminal, which is a waterdrome with 4 water runways. As of February 2019, the largest carrier flying into this international airport is SriLankan Airlines, with over 35 flights weekly.
Best Time to Visit
The airport initially started out as a strip of land on Hulhule, with a runway that was constructed out of slotted steel sheets. Called the Hulhule Airport, it was opened on October 19, 1960. The tourism boom that broke out on the islands in 1972 paved the way for an airport of international standard to be built, and on November 11, 1981, the Male International Airport was inaugurated. Hulhumalé, a nearby island, can be easily accessed via a causeway by travelers arriving through the international airport.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Visitors to Male, Maldives who prefer to stay near the airport can book a room at the Samann Grand, located a mile away, which offers family rooms for those traveling as a group. Hotel Jen Malé, Maldives by Shangri-La is another popular hotel choice, with its rooftop infinity pool that gives guests a breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean. Hotel Jen Malé also provides its guests with speedboat transfers to the Male International Airport for free.
