{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Airport",
  "address": {
    "@type": "PostalAddress",
    "addressCountry": "Maldives",
    "addressLocality": "Mal\u00e9"
  },
  "airlines": [
    "Maldivian"
  ],
  "amenityFeature": [
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "45 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to International Connection Time",
      "value": "90 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "90 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to International Connection Time",
      "value": "120 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Interline Connection Time",
      "value": "120 minutes"
    }
  ],
  "city": "Mal\u00e9",
  "code": "MLE",
  "connection_tips": "Connecting through Velana International Airport (MLE) has changed significantly with the 2025 opening of the new international Terminal 1. A minimum connection time of three hours is strongly recommended for these transfers to account for potentially long queues at immigration during peak periods. If you are connecting to a seaplane transfer, the process is different. Note that seaplanes only operate during daylight hours, typically 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM; if your international flight arrives after 3:30 PM, you will likely need to stay overnight in Mal\u00e9 or Hulhumal\u00e9. Ground transportation to the capital, Mal\u00e9, is easily handled via the Sinamale Bridge (10-minute taxi ride) or the frequent 24/7 dhoni ferry service.\n\nFor international arrivals connecting to inter-island domestic flights, you must clear immigration, collect your checked baggage, and pass through customs in Terminal 1. After clearing customs in Terminal 1, locate your resort's representative or the dedicated seaplane check-in counters (TMA or Manta Air) in the arrivals hall. A critical requirement for all travelers is the mandatory 'IMUGA' Traveller Declaration, which must be completed online within 96 hours of both arrival and departure. Arriving at the airport three hours before international departures is mandatory due to rigorous security screenings.\n\nYou then must walk to Terminal 2 (the renovated former international building), located just 3-5 minutes away, to re-check your bags at the domestic counters. Once checked in, you will be transferred via a 10-minute shuttle bus to the separate Noovilu Seaplane Terminal located on the opposite side of the runway. Additionally, alcohol is strictly prohibited for import and will be confiscated at customs.",
  "country": "Maldives",
  "flag_url": "https://flagcdn.com/w320/mv.png",
  "flight_search_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=MVR",
  "frequent_traveler_tip": [
    "Check latest schedules when connecting through Mal\u00e9 International Airport.",
    "Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.",
    "Allow extra time during peak travel periods at this airport.",
    "Keep important documents easily accessible at this airport.",
    "Download your airline's mobile app for updates at this airport."
  ],
  "global_map_link": "https://www.google.com/maps?q=Mal\u00e9+International+Airport",
  "google_maps_reviews": {
    "rating": 0.0,
    "recent_reviews": [],
    "total_reviews": 0
  },
  "hotel_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=MVR",
  "iataCode": "MLE",
  "icao": "VRMM",
  "international": true,
  "last_modified": "June 2026",
  "last_updated": "2026-03-29",
  "latitude": 4.191830158233643,
  "layover_planner_info": "Limited amenities; arrange layover needs in advance.",
  "longitude": 73.52909851074219,
  "mct_domestic_to_domestic": 45,
  "mct_domestic_to_international": 90,
  "mct_interline": 120,
  "mct_international_to_domestic": 90,
  "mct_international_to_international": 120,
  "missed_connection_help": "Contact airline service desk for missed connections.",
  "name": "Mal\u00e9 International Airport",
  "region": "Asia",
  "related_airports": [
    {
      "code": "VAM",
      "name": "Villa International Airport Maamigili"
    },
    {
      "code": "DDD",
      "name": "Dhaalu Atoll Airport"
    },
    {
      "code": "DRV",
      "name": "Dharavandhoo Airport"
    }
  ],
  "terminal_info": "Velana International Airport (MLE) is the primary international gateway to the Maldives, famously situated on the island of Hulhul\u00e9 in the North Mal\u00e9 Atoll. The airport features a modern terminal complex that handles a massive volume of international traffic from major hubs across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, as well as being the world's largest base for seaplane operations. Its architecture is functional and designed to provide a spectacular entry point for travelers arriving at this iconic island nation, with the runway literally surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.\n\nThe terminal experience at Mal\u00e9 is professional and highly efficient, featuring climate-controlled waiting areas, multiple premium business lounges, and digital flight information systems that keep travelers updated on connections. A unique feature of the facility is its dual-mode transfer system; while international passengers arrive at the main terminal, many transition directly to the adjacent seaplane terminal or the nearby speedboat jetty for transfers to their respective island resorts. The facility is managed with a focus on high-quality service, ensuring that international tourists can transition smoothly from the aircraft to the various overwater transport links.\n\nAmenities within the Velana terminal are comprehensive, featuring an extensive selection of duty-free shops, retail boutiques offering local Maldivian handicrafts and luxury goods, and diverse dining options ranging from traditional island snacks to international cuisine. The facility provides essential modern services such as free Wi-Fi, mobile charging stations, and dedicated informational kiosks for tourists. Outside the main arrivals hall, a well-organized transport network is available, including dedicated speedboat transfers, the Hulhumal\u00e9 bridge connection for taxis, and the world-renowned Trans Maldivian Airways seaplane fleet providing reliable connections to the various resort islands across the archipelago.",
  "terminal_map_url": "https://skyvector.com/airport/VRMM/Mal\u00e9-International-Airport"
}