Velana International Airport (MLE), located on the dedicated island of Hulhulé, is the vital lifeline of the Republic of Maldives. Just 2km across the water from the capital city Malé, MLE is one of the most geographically unique airports in the world. In 2026, the airport has entered a new era following the completion of its multi-billion dollar expansion project — introducing a state-of-the-art international terminal and the world’s largest dedicated seaplane hub.

Handling over 8 million passengers annually, Velana serves as the global fortress for Maldivian (the national carrier) and a primary long-haul destination for Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and British Airways. Navigating MLE requires a precise understanding of the transition between international arrivals and the complex web of speedboat, seaplane, and domestic flight transfers. This guide provides the intelligence needed to navigate the Maldives’ primary hub with maximum efficiency.

1. Terminal Architecture: The 2026 Infrastructure Rebirth

The airport landscape changed fundamentally in late 2025. MLE now operates with a clear distinction between international, domestic, and seaplane movements across three distinct facilities.

New International Terminal Building (NITB)

A 78,000-square-metre architectural masterpiece designed to mirror the Maldivian Dhoni (traditional vessel). The terminal features 40 check-in counters, 12 state-of-the-art boarding bridges, and centralised high-tech security. All foreign international carriers and Maldivian international flights operate from here.

The vibe is sophisticated, airy, and world-class. The terminal operates under “Silent Airport” protocols — minimal PA announcements — and features a vast duty-free promenade (Lotte Duty Free) focusing on luxury cosmetics and authentic Maldivian handicrafts.

Noovilu Seaplane Terminal — World’s Largest

The flagship of the 2026 expansion — a separate, multi-storey building dedicated entirely to seaplane operations. Operators include Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), Manta Air, and Maldivian seaplane services. Reached via a 5-minute dedicated shuttle bus from the NITB arrivals hall.

The Noovilu Terminal is unlike any other transfer facility in the world. It houses over 100 private resort lounges, each operated directly by the resort you are travelling to, offering a seamless transition from landing to villa. Expect champagne, personalised welcome, and resort-branded refreshments before you board your seaplane.

Critical timing note: Seaplanes operate strictly during daylight hours — 06:00 to 16:30 local time. If your international flight lands after 16:00, you will almost certainly need to spend one night in Hulhumalé or Malé before your seaplane transfer the following morning.

Domestic Terminal

The recently refurbished original terminal, dedicated to wheel-based domestic flights serving regional airports including Maafaru (NMF), Dharavandhoo (DRV), and Gan (GAN) in the southern atolls.

2. Mandatory 2026 Arrival Protocols: IMUGA & Visas

Maldives border control is 100% digital in 2026. Failure to pre-register is the most common cause of arrival delays for foreign visitors.

IMUGA Digital Traveller Declaration — Mandatory

Every passenger — including children — must complete the IMUGA Digital Traveller Declaration at least 96 hours before landing. The declaration requires uploading a photo and vaccination details (where applicable). You will receive a QR code that is checked strictly at immigration. Physical paper forms no longer exist.

Register at: imuga.immigration.gov.mv

Visa on Arrival — Free for All Nationalities

A free 30-day visa is issued to all nationalities upon arrival, provided you have a confirmed resort or guesthouse booking and a return ticket. No advance visa application is required for tourists.

Strict Import Prohibitions

The Maldives is a 100% Islamic nation. The following are strictly prohibited from import and will be confiscated at customs:

• Alcohol — including duty-free alcohol purchased at your departure airport. It is held at the airport for collection upon your departure.
• Pork products and pork-derived items
• Religious materials contrary to Islam

Currency: USD is the de facto currency for tourists and is accepted at all resorts and most airport services. Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is primarily used in local Malé markets.

3. Transport: Reaching Malé, Hulhumalé & Resorts

Transport from MLE divides sharply between city-bound travellers (using the Sinamalé Bridge) and resort-bound travellers (using speedboats or seaplanes). Know your route before landing.

Taxis via the Sinamalé Bridge

The Sinamalé Bridge connects Hulhulé directly to both Malé City and Hulhumalé island. Official taxis are the most common choice.

Cash (MVR or USD) is standard. In 2026, many taxis now accept NFC/contactless card payments via the BML “Tawakal” app.

Speedboats to Resorts (24/7)

Speedboat jetties are located directly opposite the NITB arrivals hall. They operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — one of the few transfer options available for late-night arrivals. Transfers are almost always arranged by your resort. Look for your resort representative holding a sign at the kiosks in the arrivals hall (Stations 1–90).

Seaplanes (Daylight Only)

The most iconic Maldives arrival experience — but strictly limited to daylight operations (06:00–16:30). Trans Maldivian Airways and Manta Air operate from the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal. Your resort will coordinate the transfer. If you arrive after 16:00, your seaplane will be rescheduled to the following morning.

Public Ferry to Malé — Budget Option

A public ferry connects the airport jetty to Malé. Price: $1.50 USD. The crossing takes approximately 10 minutes. A good option for solo travellers with manageable luggage, though ferry frequency has reduced in 2026 due to the bridge’s growing popularity.

4. Security & Biometrics: Velana Smart Path

• E-Gates (One-ID System): Arriving and departing passengers from over 20 countries can use automated biometric gates, reducing immigration processing to under 20 seconds. Enrolled nationalities include UK, EU, USA, Australia, and GCC countries.
• C3-Standard CT Scanning: The NITB has fully implemented C3-level scanners throughout international security. Travellers do not need to remove liquids or laptops from their bags during screening.

5. Premium Lounges: 2026 Status

Leeli Lounge (International Airside — NITB)

Access: Business Class on all major carriers, or walk-in at approximately $60 USD.
Features: A quiet sanctuary with a hot international buffet, dedicated workstation pods, and private shower suites. The best independently accessible lounge option at MLE.

Private Resort Lounges (Noovilu Seaplane Terminal)

The most extraordinary lounge experience at any airport in the world. Luxury resorts — including Soneva, Cheval Blanc, Four Seasons, and Gili Lankanfushi — operate their own private, 5-star lounges at Noovilu, complete with spa treatments, à la carte dining, and dedicated resort butlers. Access is by resort booking only.

Moonimaa Lounge (Domestic Terminal)

Located landside in the domestic terminal. An excellent option for Priority Pass holders waiting for domestic connections to the southern or northern atolls. Standard buffet and beverage service.

6. Culinary & Shopping: Last-Call Maldivian Flavours

NITB Dining Hub

The new terminal features global brands including Hard Rock Cafe and Pret A Manger alongside local high-end seafood restaurants offering fresh Maldivian tuna preparations — the best last meal before a long-haul flight home.

Lotte Duty Free — 2026 Flagship

The expanded Lotte store features a dedicated travel-exclusive Maldivian Spices section and “Island Spirit” luxury resort apparel. Perfume and cosmetics pricing is among the most competitive in the Indian Ocean region.

Authentic Maldives Boutique

For ethically sourced island crafts, coconut-based skincare products, and hand-woven lacquerware — the traditional Maldivian craft form. These are genuine local products at airport prices that remain reasonable compared to resort shops.

7. Insider Editor Tips for 2026

Free Drinking Water

Velana has installed free chilled filtered water stations (sebils) throughout the NITB airside. Bring a reusable bottle through security to avoid the $8 USD airside bottled water prices.

The Hulhumalé Strategy for Late Arrivals

If your international flight lands after 16:30 and your resort requires a seaplane, don’t stay in expensive Malé hotels. Hulhumalé Phase 1 is 10 minutes from the airport by taxi and has hundreds of excellent guesthouses at a fraction of resort prices — with the same standard of comfort for a one-night stopover.

SIM Cards

Kiosks for Dhiraagu and Ooredoo are in the NITB arrivals hall. In 2026, 5G is universal across the Malé atoll. A 100GB Tourist eSIM costs approximately $50 USD — worth purchasing if you are staying in guesthouse islands rather than all-inclusive resorts.

Baggage Storage for Malé Layovers

Left luggage storage is available near the NITB Arrivals exit. 2026 rate: $6 USD per bag per 24 hours. Ideal if you want to explore Malé city or the fish market before an evening departure without carrying luggage.

Dress Code for Malé City

If leaving the airport to visit Malé City, you must cover shoulders and knees. This is strictly enforced at the public ferry jetty and bridge entrance checkpoints. Resort wear (swimwear, shorts, tank tops) is not appropriate outside of resort islands.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

9. 2026 Quick-Reference Summary

This guide is maintained by the aifly.one editorial team. Verified for April 2026 travellers.