$537 Cheap Flights to Bandos Island

Flights to Bandos Island at a glance

Traveling to Bandos Island is a breeze. You can select from various airlines, whether full-service or budget-friendly, compare travel times, and choose the option that best fits your budget and schedule while planning to explore the island's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airport near Bandos Island: Velana International Airport (MLE)
• Flights per week: 500+ flights arriving at Bandos Island airport
• Number of airlines that fly to Bandos Island: around 35+ carriers

Popular airport near Bandos Island

Bandos Island is a stunning destination known for its beautiful beaches and breathtaking outdoor scenery, making it perfect for vacations focused on relaxation and family time. Travelers are drawn to its rich cultural experiences as well. The island is conveniently served by a major airport, enhancing accessibility for visitors.

• Velana International Airport (MLE): Situated in Kaafu Atoll, approximately 6 miles from Bandos Island, this airport offers international flights to more than 70 destinations across the globe. Travelers can opt to enhance their experience with business class or premium economy class seating for greater comfort, subject to the specific airlines and routes. Notable airlines operating here include IndiGo, Etihad Airways, and Emirates.

Top routes to Bandos Island

• New York (JFK) to Bandos Island (MLE), with one-way fares starting at around $520
• Colombo (CMB) to Bandos Island (MLE), with one-way flights starting at around $160
• Mumbai (BOM) to Bandos Island (MLE), with one-way flights starting at around $90
• Sharjah (SHJ) to Bandos Island (MLE), with one-way flights starting at around $140
• Delhi (DEL) to Bandos Island (MLE), with one-way flights starting at around $160

Cheapest routes to Bandos Island

• Kochi (COK) to Bandos Island (MLE), with cheap one-way fares from around $35
• Bengaluru (BLR) to Bandos Island (MLE), with cheap one-way fares from around $45
• Ahmedabad (AMD) to Bandos Island (MLE), with affordable one-way prices from around $65
• Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Bandos Island (MLE), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $80
• Mumbai (BOM) to Bandos Island (MLE), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $90

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Bandos Island

• IndiGo: Operates flights to Velana International Airport (MLE), making up about 11% of all arrivals to Bandos Island. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of around $210.
• Emirates: Services Velana International Airport (MLE) and comprises roughly 11% of arrivals at Bandos Island. The average one-way ticket costs about $650. Depending on the route, travelers may find business class available as a premium service option.
• Etihad Airways: Travels to Velana International Airport (MLE), contributing approximately 11% of arrivals to Bandos Island. One-way fares typically average around $510, with possible premium cabin options including business class depending on the route.
• SriLankan Airlines: Flies into Velana International Airport (MLE), accounting for around 10% of arrivals at Bandos Island. The average one-way fare is close to $270, and premium cabin services may feature business class, subject to the route.
• Qatar Airways: Serves Velana International Airport (MLE), making up about 10% of Bandos Island's arrivals. The average one-way fare is approximately $740, with premium cabin options that may include business class, varying by route.

Best time to fly to Bandos Island

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Bandos Island are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in Bandos Island can reach up to 82.6°F in March. If you prefer quieter travel, consider May, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 83.7°F. For better deals, January usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $476, roughly 17% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? June offers an average one-way fare of around $524, making it a good option for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Bandos Island

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Bandos Island is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Bandos Island hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Bandos Island flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Bandos Island

Bandos Island welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Bandos Island efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Velana International Airport, Thimarafushi Seaport, a seaport, is conveniently located about 0.6 miles from the airport and can be reached by car, while Hulhumale Ferry Terminal, a ferry terminal, is situated approximately 3 miles away, also accessible by car.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Bandos Island, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Bandos Island is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Bandos Island on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around Bandos Island

• Ailafushi: Ailafushi is located 3 miles away from Bandos Island and offers a delightful blend of beach, outdoor activities, and stunning scenery. Visitors can indulge in various resort experiences, engage in underwater sports, or unwind at a local spa. Key points of interest include the serene Gili Lankanfushi Beach, perfect for a relaxing beach vacation, and the eco-conscious Baros Marine Center, ideal for those interested in environmental initiatives.
• Vabbinfaru: Located 5 miles away from Bandos Island, Vabbinfaru is another gem in the Maldives that captures the essence of beach life, outdoor adventures, and picturesque landscapes. Guests can explore the tranquil Angsana Beach, enjoy rejuvenating treatments at local spas, or visit the Baros Marine Center for a sustainable tourism experience. The renowned Kurumba Beach, with its resort amenities, adds to the allure of this charming destination.
• Kuda Bandos: Kuda Bandos is located 0.7 mile drive away from Bandos Island and is known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor scenery. This peaceful locale offers excellent resorts and spa services for relaxation. Travelers can visit Hulhumale Beach for sun-soaked moments, explore the historic Maldives Islamic Centre for a glimpse into local culture, or enjoy the nearby Kurumba Beach for resort comforts. Kuda Bandos is perfect for those seeking a blend of relaxation and cultural exploration.

Tips for short-haul flights to Bandos Island

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, it’s often more economical to travel with just a carry-on. Optimize space by using travel-sized toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and coordinating outfits efficiently. This not only saves time but also helps you avoid the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment. To keep yourself occupied, download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it’s advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Bandos Island

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines may allow free seat selection once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines even permit seat selection earlier than that.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your departure for international flights. This will give you enough time for check-in, security, and immigration processes.
• Relax at the airport—if you find yourself with extra time, take a moment to explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin to sync your body clock by changing your watch and sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Aim to either sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Bandos Island

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Bandos Island on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

May is the cheapest month to fly to Bandos Island. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Bandos Island. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Bandos Island, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Bandos Island

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Bandos Island in 2026 starts from $1,022, while one-way tickets start from from $537. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Bandos Island. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Bandos Island

Singapore Airlines, American Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Bandos Island. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Bandos Island and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Bandos Island, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Bandos Island. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Bandos Island plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Bandos Island

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Bandos Island.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Bandos Island are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Bandos Island. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Bandos Island for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Bandos Island. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Bandos Island flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Bandos Island. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.