Journey from the UK
How long is the flight to the Maldives?
About 10 hours direct from London, when direct flights are running, or 12 to 15 hours with a stop in the Gulf. The Maldives is 5 hours ahead in winter, 4 in summer. Then add a speedboat or seaplane.
- Under 3 hours
- 3 to 6 hours
- 6 to 10 hours
- 10 hours or more
Seaplanes only fly in daylight, so a late landing can mean a night at an airport hotel. Check your arrival time with the resort.
Getting there
- Malé (MLE)10 hours or more
The only international airport for most visitors.
- Seaplane transfers10 hours or more
Up to an hour, daylight only.
The journey at a glance
Straight-line estimate for a direct flight from Heathrow. Real flights often take longer.
Getting to your island
- Speedboat: for resorts near Malé, usually 20 to 60 minutes.
- Seaplane: for distant atolls, up to an hour, daylight only.
- Domestic flight plus boat: for the furthest resorts.
- Your resort books transfers. Send them your flight details early.
Choosing flights
Most UK travellers connect in the Gulf, with Emirates, Qatar Airways or Etihad, or in Istanbul. Pick a flight that lands in the morning or early afternoon, so you can reach your island the same day without an airport hotel night.
Before you go
- Ask the resort to book transfers to match your flight.
Stay and do
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