โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
International โ Domestic
60
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Gan International Airport (GAN) is the primary aviation gateway to the southern atolls of the Maldives, located on Gan Island in the Addu Atoll. Originally built as a Royal Air Force base during World War II, it has since been transformed into a modern international facility that serves as the country's second-largest airport. The airport's strategic location south of the equator makes it a crucial hub for international tourists heading to luxury resorts in the southern Maldives, offering a more direct alternative to the main hub in Malรฉ (MLE).
The passenger terminal at GAN is designed for efficiency and comfort, reflecting the tropical atmosphere of the region. Facilities include modern check-in counters, a streamlined immigration and customs area, and a departure lounge equipped with essential amenities such as duty-free shopping, cafes, and an executive Business Lounge. The terminal is compact, with walking distances between gates and baggage claim typically under five minutes, and it offers complimentary Wi-Fi and charging stations throughout the waiting areas. Families traveling with children can also find dedicated play areas and parent rooms designed to make the transit experience more relaxed.
What sets Gan International Airport apart is its unique ground connectivity within the Addu Atoll. Unlike many Maldivian airports that require boat or seaplane transfers for every journey, GAN is connected by a series of causeways to the neighboring islands of Feydhoo, Maradhoo, and Hithadhoo, allowing for easy taxi and private vehicle access to local guest houses and community centers. For those heading to nearby resorts, such as Canareef, a short 10-minute speedboat ride is the standard transfer method. Travelers connecting from Malรฉ should expect a 75-95 minute domestic flight, with resort representatives usually on hand at both airports to coordinate seamless luggage transfers and onward connections.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Gan International Airport (GAN) in the Addu Atoll is a notably different experience than transiting through Malรฉ, offering unique ground and sea connectivity. The airport operates from a single, efficient passenger terminal where international and domestic facilities are in close proximity. For domestic-to-domestic connections, such as arriving from Malรฉ via Maldivian or Manta Air and transferring to a local island flight, a connection time of 60 minutes is typically sufficient. International departures, such as the direct SriLankan Airlines service to Colombo, generally require a two-to-three-hour window for check-in and security.
A standout feature of GAN is its direct connection to several local islands via a 14-kilometer Link Road. Unlike most Maldivian airports where speedboats are mandatory, travelers arriving at GAN can take a taxi directly from the terminal to guesthouses and hotels on Feydhoo, Maradhoo, and Hithadhoo. For those staying at nearby resorts like Canareef, dedicated speedboat transfers are coordinated by the resort and typically depart within 30 minutes of your flight's arrival. Standard Maldivian customs rules apply: alcohol is strictly prohibited for import and will be bonded by customs until your departure.
It is also important to note that domestic baggage limits are often lower than international ones, usually 20 kilograms for checked bags and 5 kilograms for hand luggage. The terminal offers free Wi-Fi, a comfortable passenger lounge, and basic dining options. For a unique souvenir, travelers arriving from Malรฉ often receive an 'Equator Crossing Certificate' to mark their journey into the Southern Hemisphere.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Dharavandhoo Airport (VRMD) serves as the essential aviation gateway to Baa Atoll in the Maldives, opened on October 17, 2012, by President Mohamed Waheed Hassan, strategically positioned to provide access to one of the world's most exclusive resort destinations and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The airport operates with a single runway and basic terminal facility designed to accommodate Twin Otter aircraft and regional jets, facilitating 25-minute domestic flights from Velana International Airport in Malรฉ using Maldivian airline's fleet of Dash-8 and DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft.
The modest terminal building provides essential passenger services including check-in counters, baggage handling, and coordination areas for resort transfers, with most luxury resorts offering seamless private transfer services directly from the airport via 10-minute speedboat connections. As the closest airport to world-renowned Hanifaru Bay, the facility serves as the primary access point for experiencing manta ray and whale shark encounters, with the nearby waters of 'Dharavandhoo Thila' providing some of the planet's most spectacular marine wildlife viewing opportunities.
Operational services include regular Maldivian airline connections with transfer costs ranging from USD 150-540 per adult, plus coordination with seaplane operations offering scenic 35-minute flights directly to resort destinations. The airport's strategic location enables quick access to exclusive Baa Atoll resorts including properties on nearby Mudhdhoo Island, making it an essential transportation hub for luxury tourism, marine conservation activities, and local community connections throughout this pristine UNESCO-designated coral atoll ecosystem.
๐ Connection Tips
Dharavandhoo Airport (DRV) is a vital regional aviation hub in the Maldives, serving as the primary gateway to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll. For travelers connecting through DRV, the most important tip is its spectacular 20-minute domestic link from Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malรฉ, typically operated by Maldivian or Manta Air. Upon landing on the island of Dharavandhoo, ground transportation is exceptionally straightforward; for those staying at local guesthouses, the residential area is just a 5 to 10-minute walk from the terminal.
If you are heading to a luxury resort like Dusit Thani, Kihaa Maldives, or Anantara Kihavah, your 'connection' will continue by private speedboat. These transfers are typically pre-arranged by the resort and wait at the dedicated airport jetty just outside the arrivals hall. A critical connection tip for local island visitors is that there are no ATMs on Dharavandhoo; it is essential to carry sufficient Maldivian Rufiyaa or US Dollars in cash from Malรฉ for all local expenses.
The terminal itself is a modern, single-story building that is very easy to navigate, with check-in and security typically taking less than 15 minutes. Because the atoll is world-famous for manta ray sightings at Hanifaru Bay (June to November), the airport can become quite busy during this peak season; arriving 60 to 90 minutes before your domestic flight is recommended. Lastly, enjoy the stunning aerial views of the atoll's coral rings during your approach, which is one of the most scenic in the Maldives.
โ Back to Gan International Airport