Travelling from the UK to the Maldives

You can travel to the Maldives from all major airports in the United Kingdom (UK). Flight duration from the UK to the Maldives varies depending on whether you travel via a direct or non-direct route.

Direct flights typically range from 9 to 10 hours. Meanwhile, non-direct flights range from approximately 12 hours with layovers in Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi. There are as many as 40 options a day that you can choose to travel to the Maldives from the UK.

Airports in the UK

All major airports in the UK have flights out to the Maldives. There are more than 40 flights that are available between the two countries.

Here are airports in the UK that you can fly to the Maldives from:

Heathrow Airport (LHR)
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
London Stansted Airport (STN)
Birmingham Airport (BHX)
Manchester Airport (MAN)
Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ)
Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
Belfast City Airport (BHD)
Glasgow International Airport (GLA)
Newcastle International Airport (NCL)

Airports in the Maldives

The Maldives has one main international airport, Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé which services all major airlines. It is also the main hub for all domestic flights and seaplane operations.

There are other smaller private international airports which often only cater for private charters:

Gan Airport (GAN)
Villa Airport (Maamigili, VAM)
Hanimaadhoo Airport (HAQ)
Maafaru Airport (NMF)

Airlines Travelling from the UK to the Maldives

Direct flights make travel planning much more convenient for UK tourists that visit the Maldives. Moreover, the new Virgin Atlantic service adds more capacity during peak periods.

Airlines that offer direct flights from the UK to the Maldives:

British Airways: Flies direct 3 times a week to Velana International Airport all year round from London Heathrow. However, if you wish to fly from any other major airport in the UK you can get a connecting flight from Doha with their Avios partners Qatar Airways.
Virgin Atlantic: This is the newest airline to start direct flights to the Maldives from the UK. Virgin Atlantic only operates during the high season from October to March every year. It started in 2023 with 03 flights a week. However, the airline will increase its frequency to 07 flights per week from October 2024.

Airlines that offer flights from the UK to the Maldives with stops:

Emirates: Flies daily with four flights a day, from all major airports in the UK, connecting at Dubai. Two in the morning and two in the afternoon, all four flights are great for any guests wishing to get a connecting seaplane to the resort. On departure, we have two flights in the morning and two flights in the late afternoon again connecting via Dubai and going on to all major airports in the UK. Emirates is an excellent option for guests who would like to do a twin-centre holiday, a popular option is four nights in Dubai and Seven nights in Maldives.
Qatar Airways: Flies daily with up to 7 flights a day, giving guests a great choice of arrival and departure times to suit their needs. Qatar Airways travels from all major airports in the UK, connecting via Doha to Maldives. Doha is a great airport with a wide variety of shops and has one of the best business and first-class lounges.
Etihad Airways: Flies daily to the Maldives via Abu Dhabi from all major airports in the UK. It has around four flights a day at various times. It does offer great flexibility but do make sure that if you are getting a connecting seaplane flight in the Maldives, your flight arrives before 3.30 pm and your departure flight leaves after 9.00 am.
Turkish Airlines: A popular choice in recent years as an affordable choice. Turkish Airlines flies 5 days a week to Maldives with one flight a day. Turkish Airlines offers an excellent value-for-money business class option to Maldives and for the traveller and thrill seekers, it is also a great place to stop over to make a twin-centre holiday.
Sri Lankan Airlines: Sri Lankan Airlines flies daily to Maldives and out of all major airports in the UK. This is a great route for those wishing to do a Sri Lanka and Maldives twin-centre holiday. It is a popular choice and a great pairing. It also offers an affordable business-class option.

Best Time To Book Flights from the UK to the Maldives

The best time to book a flight to Maldives from the UK depends on various factors such as the time of the year you plan to travel, demand and promotion. Here are some tips:

Book Early As Possible: It is advisable to book your flights well in advance, ideally 6-12 months before travel, especially if you are travelling during peak season which is between December and April. Flights tend to fill up quickly, and prices may rise close to the departure date.
Flexibility Pays Off: If your travel dates are flexible, you can monitor flight prices and be ready to book when you spot a good deal. Use flight comparison websites or set up price alerts to stay updated on price changes.
Avoid Last-Minute Bookings: While last-minute deals are possible, they are less common for flights to popular tourist destinations like the Maldives. Booking your flights closer to your travel date may result in higher prices and limited availability.
Mid-week Travel: Flights tend to be cheaper when you depart and return midweek, typically on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays. Avoid weekends if possible, as they are often more expensive due to higher demand.
Consider Connecting Flights: Direct flights from the UK to the Maldives are limited, so you may find better deals by considering connecting flights through major hubs such as Dubai, Doha, or Colombo.
Keep an Eye on Sales and Promotions: Airlines occasionally offer sales and promotions, especially during off-peak periods. Sign up for airline newsletters or follow them on social media to stay informed about any special offers.

Tips for Booking Your Flight from the UK to the Maldives

Shoulder Season Travel: Take advantage of the shoulder seasons, like May, June, September, or October, for better deals and still favourable weather.
European Layovers: Opt for flights through European capitals like Zurich, Berlin, Munich, Rome, or Paris, which can sometimes offer cheaper fares.
January and September Sales: Keep an eye out for airline sales in January and September, as airlinesand hotels often offer great deals during these months.
Loyalty Programs: Various airlines have loyalty schemes and partnerships with credit card memberships. American Express is a great way to build your points. You can then transfer them to your chosen airline account.
Avios Points: British Airways and Qatar Airways have a joint partnership. You can move your Avios points between the two airlines and get anything from a companion voucher to a free or discounted flight.

Best Places for a Stopover

Dubai: Perfect for families, honeymooners, and groups of friends with its diverse activities, including theme parks, desert adventures, and world-class shopping.
Doha: Ideal for thrill-seekers with activities like sandboarding and quad biking, plus enjoy top-notch business class and first-class lounges.
Sri Lanka: Great for combining with a Maldives trip for a diverse holiday experience. Explore Sri Lanka's wildlife, mountains, and ancient culture before unwinding on the beaches of the Maldives.