When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Malé?
Bag some cheap flights to Malé by booking your return flight between March and May. Not only is the temperature consistently around 28 degrees Celsius, it falls between the very busy and expensive festive high season and the Maldivian rainy season which spans the British summer. With fewer tourists, it’ll be much quieter and April is the prime time for diving thanks to the increased visibility.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Malé?
Some airlines release tickets for their flights to Malé 12 months prior to departure so you may find savings by booking early. However, booking 4-5 months in advance will usually provide excellent deals on your Malé flights. For further budget friendly savings, consider flying out on a Tuesday or Wednesday since these midweek departures tend to be cheaper than the rest of the week.
Flying to Malé Airport (MLE)
Malé Airport, or to give it its full name, Velana International Airport (MLE), is the main international airport serving the Maldives. It is located on Hulhulé Island just north of Malé, the capital island. British Airways is the only airline running direct flights to the Maldives out of London Gatwick. For all other journeys a stopover will need to be included. Airlines such as Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines have indirect return flights flying via Doha and Istanbul going from Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh. So, if a London departure doesn’t suit, you have some degree of flexibility. Sri Lankan Airlines also runs an indirect service from London Heathrow via Colombo. Choosing to fly indirect will add a few hours of travel time but will generally be cheaper than direct flights.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
Malé Airport (MLE) comprises three terminals; international, domestic and one for seaplane flights. It has one regular asphalt runway and four water runways for the airport’s fleet of sea planes. The airport benefits from a wide range of amenities to make sure that your time spent here runs as smoothly as possible. These include a dedicated baby and mothers’ room, several restaurants, free showers in the departures area, internet kiosks, a prayer room and several ATMs.
Getting to the City from Malé Airport (MLE)
Once disembarked from your Malé flight, you’ll have to choose how you wish to travel from the airport’s island to whichever island your accommodation is on. You have serval options. A ferry service runs across the water to Malé and only takes 10 minutes. You can also catch a dhoni, a traditional Maldivian boat. Some hotels and guesthouses can arrange for a boat to pick you up from the airport so it’s worth checking to see if this is possible. For destinations that are slightly further afield, catching a sea plane is likely your best option.
Why visit Malé?
Sun, sea and sand is the golden trifecta of any tropical holiday and the Maldives has them by the bucket load. With plenty of palm trees to laze under and miles of beautiful beaches that gently give way to pure, aquamarine water, there’s nothing better than lying back and letting all of this envelop you, melting away all your stress. If that doesn’t sound like bliss, we don’t know what else would.
When you want to take a break from catching all those rays, head below the water’s surface to discover some of the best barrier reefs in the world. Coral reefs offer a fascinating insight into marine life as fish, turtles, octopi and a whole host of creatures live together in harmony. This multicoloured, underwater haven delights and charms both novices trying snorkelling for the first time and experienced divers wanting to explore the depths.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
When you arrive in the Maldives, you will be granted a tourist visa that’s valid for up to 30 days. However, you must have a valid return ticket, enough funds to cover your entire stay and your passport must be valid for six months. Keep this in mind when booking last-minute flights. The currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa but since it’s pegged to the dollar you’re better off using them. Particularly if you’re planning on spending most of your time in the resorts, you’re unlikely to have to use rufiyaa but expect to receive it as change from the locals.
