$473 Cheap Flights to Malé

Flights to Malé at a glance

Traveling to Malé is straightforward; you can select from a range of options, including both full-service and budget airlines. Compare flight durations and choose the best fit for your budget and itinerary as you plan to explore the city’s iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods.

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

Popular airport near Malé

Malé is a vibrant city perfect for beach lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and cultural explorers. Travelers flock to Malé for its stunning scenery and family-friendly activities. The city is conveniently served by Malé International Airport, the only airport connecting visitors to the beautiful Kaafu Atoll in the Maldives.

• Velana International Airport (MLE): Situated in Kaafu Atoll, just under a mile from Malé, this airport caters to international flights, linking to over 70 destinations globally. Travelers have the option to enhance their journey by selecting business class or premium economy seating for greater comfort, depending on the airline and route. Notable airlines operating here include IndiGo, Etihad Airways, and Emirates.

Top routes to Malé

• New York (JFK) to Malé (MLE), with one-way tickets available from around $520
• Colombo (CMB) to Malé (MLE), with one-way tickets available from around $160
• Mumbai (BOM) to Malé (MLE), with one-way tickets available from around $90
• Sharjah (SHJ) to Malé (MLE), with one-way flights starting at around $140
• Delhi (DEL) to Malé (MLE), with one-way flight options from around $160

Cheapest routes to Malé

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

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

Top airlines with flights to Malé

• IndiGo: Operating flights to Velana International Airport (MLE), IndiGo represents roughly 11% of the total arrivals in Malé. The average fare for a one-way ticket is around $210.
• Emirates: Providing service to Velana International Airport (MLE), Emirates comprises about 11% of the arrivals to Malé. One-way fares typically average around $650, with potential business class options available based on the route.
• Etihad Airways: Connecting to Velana International Airport (MLE), Etihad Airways accounts for approximately 11% of Malé's arrivals. The average one-way fare is about $510, and premium cabins may include business class depending on the specific route.
• SriLankan Airlines: Serving Velana International Airport (MLE), SriLankan Airlines makes up nearly 10% of the arrivals in Malé. Average one-way fares are around $270, with premium cabin options possibly including business class based on the route.
• Qatar Airways: Operating flights to Velana International Airport (MLE), Qatar Airways constitutes about 10% of arrivals to Malé. The average one-way fare is approximately $740, with premium cabin choices potentially featuring business class depending on the route.

Best time to fly to Malé

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Malé are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in Malé 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 Malé

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Malé 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 Malé 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 Malé flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Malé

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

• Public transportation: From Velana International Airport, Thimarafushi Seaport, a seaport, is located about 0.6 miles from the airport by car, while Hulhumale Ferry Terminal, a ferry terminal, is situated approximately 3 miles away by car, providing convenient options for travelers.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Malé, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Malé is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Malé 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 Malé

• Emboodhoo Lagoon: Located 5 miles away from Malé, Emboodhoo Lagoon is a vibrant destination perfect for beach lovers and culture enthusiasts. Visitors can unwind at luxurious resorts or indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments. Outdoor adventures await at nearby Emma Fushi Island, while Vadoo Beach offers stunning views and relaxation. Don't miss the Maldives Islamic Centre, a historic site that provides insight into the local culture and heritage. Emboodhoo Lagoon blends leisure and exploration, making it an inviting spot for travelers.
• Emboodhu Finolhu: Situated 5 miles away from Malé, Emboodhu Finolhu captivates travelers with its breathtaking scenery and pristine beaches. This picturesque location is ideal for snorkeling and enjoying water sports. Key attractions include the tranquil Embudu Beach, perfect for sunbathing, and the nearby Maldives Islamic Centre, showcasing local history. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate Emma Fushi Island for its outdoor activities. Emboodhu Finolhu offers a harmonious blend of adventure and relaxation, appealing to various interests.
• Hulhumalé: Hulhumalé is located 4 miles drive away from Malé and is an excellent choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts. This lively area features beautiful beaches, like Hulhumale Beach, where visitors can soak up the sun and enjoy water activities. The Maldives Islamic Centre stands as a testament to the island’s rich cultural heritage, while Hulhumalé Central Park provides a green oasis for relaxation and family fun. With a mix of urban charm and natural beauty, Hulhumalé is a welcoming destination for all.

Tips for short-haul flights to Malé

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. Maximize your space by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and planning your outfits wisely. This approach also allows you to bypass the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself engaged. 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 potential traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Malé

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 often allow free seat selection once online check-in begins, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines might offer seat selection even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration processes.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity 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 syncing your body clock by changing your watch and sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try 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 Malé

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Malé 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

October is the cheapest month to fly to Malé. 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 Malé. 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 Malé, 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 Malé

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Malé in 2026 starts from $800, while one-way tickets start from from $473. 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 Malé. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Malé

China Eastern Airlines, American Airlines, Qatar Airways, Air India, Turkish Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Delta, Swiss International Air Lines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Malé. 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 Malé and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Malé, 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 Malé. 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 Malé 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 Malé

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 Malé.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Malé are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Malé. 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 Malé 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 Malé. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Malé 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 Malé. 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.