Planning a Maldives holiday from India starts with more than just booking a flight. You also need to consider which Indian city you are flying from, whether you can take a direct flight, how long the journey takes and how you will reach your resort or island after landing.
For most Indian travelers, the journey begins with a flight to Velana International Airport (MLE) near Malé, the main international gateway to Maldives. From there, your onward transfer depends on where you are staying and may involve a speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight followed by a boat transfer.
This guide explains how to reach Maldives from India, current flight options, approximate travel times, what happens after you land and the key transfer considerations to check before booking, so you can plan the complete journey rather than looking at the international flight alone.
How Can You Reach Maldives from India?
The most practical way to reach Maldives from India is by air. Indian travelers can fly to Velana International Airport (MLE) near Malé, with direct and connecting flight options depending on their departure city and travel dates.
The journey can be divided into two parts:
- India to Maldives: Fly from an Indian airport to Velana International Airport.
- Maldives airport to your destination: Continue by speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight followed by a boat, depending on your resort or island.
Your overall travel time therefore depends not only on the international flight but also on the departure city, flight connection, arrival time and onward island transfer.
For a short Maldives holiday, these details are particularly important because a long connection or poorly timed onward transfer can reduce the time you actually spend at your resort.
Which Indian Cities Have Direct Flights to Maldives?
Direct flights to Maldives are available from several major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. Availability and operating frequency can vary by airline, travel date and season.
Departure City | Direct Flight Availability | Approx. Nonstop Flight Time |
| Delhi (DEL) | Available | Around 4 hours |
| Mumbai (BOM) | Available | Around 3 hours |
| Bengaluru (BLR) | Available | Around 2.5 to 3 hours |
| Kochi (COK) | Available | Around 2 hours |
| Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) | Available | Around 2 hours |
Travelers from other Indian cities may need to take a connecting flight, depending on the available routes and travel dates.
When comparing your options, consider more than the airfare. A direct flight can reduce total travel time, while a connecting flight may offer more suitable timings or departure options from your city.
Flight schedules change, so check the current schedule for your travel date before booking.
What Happens After You Land in Maldives?
After arriving at Velana International Airport (MLE), you will complete immigration and baggage collection before continuing to your resort or island. Depending on your destination, the onward journey may be by speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight followed by a boat transfer.
What Should You Know About Maldives Resort Transfers?
Your resort's location determines how you travel from Velana International Airport to your final destination. Depending on the resort, the transfer may be by speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight followed by a boat transfer.
Transfer Type | Typically Used For |
| Speedboat | Resorts and islands relatively close to Malé |
| Seaplane | Resorts located farther from Velana International Airport |
| Domestic Flight + Boat | Resorts and islands in more distant atolls |
The resort generally arranges the transfer, so check the transfer method, timing and whether the cost is included in your booking before finalizing your flight and stay.
For a short Maldives holiday, transfer time can also affect how much time you actually have at the resort. This makes the transfer an important part of your trip planning, rather than something to consider only after booking your flight.
Once your flights and resort transfer are planned, our Maldives Itinerary guide can help you decide how to make the most of your time in Maldives.
What Should You Know About Seaplane Transfers?
Seaplane transfers operate during daylight hours, so your international flight arrival time can affect whether you can reach your resort on the same day. If your resort requires a seaplane, check its transfer schedule before booking a late-arriving flight to Maldives.
A few things are worth checking in advance:
- Arrival time: A late international arrival may not connect with a same-day seaplane transfer.
- Transfer schedule: Seaplane operations depend on daylight and operating conditions, so available departure times can vary.
- Baggage allowance: Seaplane operators can have different baggage limits from your international airline. Check the operator's current allowance before packing.
- Transfer cost: Confirm whether the seaplane transfer is included in your resort package or charged separately.
- Return flight: Your resort will also need to coordinate the seaplane transfer with your international departure from Velana International Airport.
Ready to Plan Your Maldives Holiday?
Once your flights and island transfer are sorted, the rest of your Maldives trip becomes easier to plan. You can then choose the right resort, itinerary, travel dates and experiences around the time you have available.
Explore our Maldives tour packages and find a holiday that brings your flights, stay, transfers and experiences together.
