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Maldivian is the airline division of Island Aviation Services based in the Maldives. It operates both international and inter-island flights. It is based at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport. The airline started life as Island Aviation Services, a limited liability company owned by the Maldivian Government, and in 2009 the airline division of the company was rebranded as Maldivian.
At this moment in time, Maldivian is operating flights to India, Bangladesh, Thailand and China from its main hub airport at Velana International Airport. Maldivian is currently the only operator in the country which offers both seaplane and wheelbase flights. Maldivian was formerly known as Island Aviation but was rebranded in August 2008, as they wanted to make the airline known to the Maldives and its people.
Find out more about booking domestic flights within the Maldives.
Baggage Policy
Carry-on and checked baggage policies differ depending on the aircraft you're travelling in as well as the route.
Carry-on Baggage
For Dash 08 aircraft, the carry-on baggage allowance is a maximum of 5kg / 11lbs in weight and no larger than 20" x 12" x 7".
For Airbus 320/321 aircraft, the carry-on baggage maximum weight limit is 7kg / 15lbs and no larger than 20" x 15" x 9".
Please note that all prohibited items must be stored in checked baggage, including any fluid exceeding 100ml. If you're looking to travel with liquids, it must be within 100ml and packed in a plastic bag for airport security check. Any prohibited items will be removed and disposed of.
Checked Baggage
For domestic (Maldives) destinations and Trivandrum in India, the maximum checked baggage weight allowance (per passenger) is 20kg / 44lbs.
For Chennai (India), Dhaka (Bangladesh), and Bangkok (Thailand), the maximum checked baggage weight allowance (per passenger) is 30kg / 66lbs.
Baggage over the free baggage allowance weight will be subject to excess baggage charges. Passengers can purchase excess baggage when booking with Alternative Airlines.
Cabin Classes
There are 2 official cabin classes onboard a Maldivian flight - Economy and Business Class.
Economy Class
On the Airbus A321, the airline offers 194 seats in comparison to 138 Economy seats on a smaller A320. Snacks and refreshments are available onboard.
Business Class
Business class consists of 6 seats in its Airbus A321 and 14 seats in its Airbus A320 aircraft. Maldivian Business Class offers plenty of space with reclining comfort on your flight. You'll also be treated to a revitalizing welcome juice and snack, followed by options of starters accompanied by a glass of refreshing drink. Food is provided onboard and in-flight entertainment is available to keep you entertained.
Check-In
Maldivian allow passengers 3 ways to check in for their flight - online, at the airport and city check-in.
Online Check-In
On domestic flights, online check-in is available 12 hours before your flight departure time and closes 4 hours before your scheduled departure time.
On international flights, online check-in is available 48 hours before your flight departure time and closes 4 hours prior to your scheduled departure time.
We recommend that you check in online in order to avoid the long airport check-in lines.
Airport Check-In
Airport check-in opens two hours prior to departure time for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. All check-in counters close an hour before departure.
City Check-In
City check-in is available in Male’ – Greater Male’ Bus Terminal. It opens four hours prior to departure time and closes 90 minutes before departure.
Food & Drink
When flying with Maldivian, meal options are varied and specific dietary requirements may be available if you call ahead.
Meal Options
Maldivian offer food and drinks onboard their flights.
In Economy Class you'll be offered complimentary snacks on board.
In Business Class you'll be given snacks upon arrival and a meal including a starter and main entree.
Special Dietary Requirements
Contact Maldivian Airlines direct to see if they can meet your dietary needs.
Drinks & Alcohol
In Economy Class, you'll be offered complimentary refreshments on board.
In Business Class you are given complimentary welcome juice upon arrival. With the main meal, an additional glass of drink is served.
Special Services
If you require wheelchair assistance getting to and from your plane, please contact us. We'll inform the airline you're flying with that you will need a wheelchair. You can always request airport wheelchair assistance if you have impaired or reduced mobility.
Destinations that Maldivian flies to
Emirates flies to over 150 destinations worldwide with over 3,000 flights operated a week on all six continents. Click below to see all the destinations Emirates currently flies to.
There are also a number of resorts operated by Maldivian Seaplane, including Four Seasons Private Islands; Baa Atoll, Robinson Club Noonu; Noonu Atoll, and Doores Island Retreat; Dhaalu Atoll.
Alternatives to Maldivian
Please click on the logos below to find out more about airlines that fly similar routes:
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Fleet
The airline fleet consists of one A320-200, one A321-200, 11 DHC-6-300, one DHC-8-200, one DHC 8-Q200 and eight DHC-8-Q300.
Hub Airport
Velana International Airport
Maldivian is based at Velana International Airport (VIA), also known as Malé International Airport, and previously known as Ibrahim Nasir International Airport. It is the main international airport in the Maldives and is located on Hulhulé Island, which connects with major airports across the world. The airport has 3 terminals: the International Terminal, the Domestic Terminal and the waterdrome Seaplane Terminal.
Due to tourism booming, a decision to expand Velana International Airport was made. In 2018, the airport finished a new runway (3,400 metres long and 60 metres wide).
Velana International Airport is also a hub for Trans Maldivian Airways. Other airlines that fly from this airport include Air France, Air India, Iberia, ITA Airways, Singapore Airlines, Wizz Air, Manta Air and Lufthansa. BeOnd, a new start-up Maldivian airline, will be using this airport as a hub once it launches in 2023.