Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Malé Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
Quick Links
I felt safe and wasn’t hassled by any of the numerous security/airport staff around. Well lit. Clean bathrooms. – Christopher
MLE Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Malé Velana International Airport.
What to Expect
Malé Airport (code: MLE) is divided into three small terminals: International, Domestic, and Seaplanes. A new terminal is currently in the planning stages. Facilities include a few eateries and shops, though none are open 24 hours, and free showers in the departures area. WiFi is unavailable, but there are free internet kiosks in a few locations. Economy class passengers can pay to enter two airport lounges for added comfort while they wait.
Sleeping in Malé Airport
Based on reviews, this airport is open 24 hours. Due to uncomfortable seating, overnight campers often wind up on the floor – bring a blanket or sleeping bag. Temperatures can range wildly, and airport staff and cleaners may make noise, so dress in layers and bring earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones. For uninterrupted sleep, nearby hotels offer a shuttle service. See our Airport Hotels section below for locations.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Malé Airport Guide.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
While it appears that this airport closes for a few hours at night, as of this update, we could not confirm airport hours of operation. If you know the airport hours, click here to update this airport guide.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
No dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones exist. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Malé Airport:
- Hulhule Island Hotel – Located on the airport island, adjacent to the airport terminal. The hotel is an 8- 8-minute walk, or you can take the shuttle. The hotel also offers a variety of day rate packages; for example, USD 53 gets you access to the hotel (NO room), including the swimming pool, shower rooms, a massage (10 min) and free boat and airport transfers. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels on Hulhule Island or in Malé, search for deals and read traveller reviews.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
- Wellness Lounge – Location: International Arrival Terminal, Arrivals Hall, Landside. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Lounge membership programs.
- Moonimaa Lounge – Location: Domestic Terminal, Landside. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
Related Pages: Malé Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
A reader tells us there is a water fountain on the airside, to the right of Burger King. (October 2024)
Food & Drinks
Food concessions throughout the airport operate with varying schedules. At the time of this update, we are unable to confirm the availability of any 24-hour dining options.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Luggage storage is available for a small fee. Location: Baggage Storage Service office, in front of the Terminal Help desk. Rates: One small piece for USD 6.00 or one odd/oversized piece for USD 12.00. Rates apply for 24 hours or part thereof.
Mobile Charging
A review (Sept 2019) mentioned charging outlets are available on both Landside (near check-in desks) and Airside (right after security). If you know of additional locations, click here to update this airport guide.
Showers
Free showers are available in the Departures area, opposite the Mariyaadu snack counter. There are also showers in the Wellness Lounge and Moonimaa Lounge. [ see Airport Lounges above ].
WiFi/Internet
Free WiFi is available for 25 minutes after checking in at Malé Airport. Connect to the “Airport wifi” network using a confirmation code sent via text. Note: A local SIM or roaming SIM card is needed to receive the SMS code.
If you do not have a local or roaming SIM card, don’t worry since one can be bought in the concourse area. Additionally, internet kiosks are available, free of charge, near the Duty-Free Area and departure gates 1, 2 and 3.
More Airport Information
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Location: near the arrival exit gates at the arrival plaza area.
Baby Care Facilities -Feed and care for your baby in the comfort and privacy of the Mother Care Room. Locations: Concourse Area • Pier Bridge • Domestic Terminal.
Baggage Trolleys – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage trolleys are available free of charge.
Currency Exchange – Two locations: Duty-Free Area, opposite Dome Cafe • Arrivals area, left of the terminal exit door.
Information Desk – If you have any questions, visit one of the information desks for assistance. Locations: International Zone, inside departure terminal • International Zone, landside, outside terminal • Domestic Zone. Hours: Open 24 hours.
Luggage Wrapping – Available landside in the Check-in area for USD 8/small bag, USD 10/regular bag and USD 20/oversized.
Medical Services – Urgent and emergency medical care is available at the First Aid Post. Hours: Open 24 hours.
Pharmacy – Location: Outside the First Aid Post or near the Bank of Maldives ATM. Hours: Open according to daily flight schedule.
Postal Services – Drop off your last-minute postcards or packages at the airport’s Post Office. Location: Departure Hall entrance. Hours: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM or until the last flight of the day.
Prayer Room – Location: Departure Terminal, 1st Floor. There are two air-conditioned mosques located 5-10 minutes walking distance from the terminal.
Shopping – Spices, confections, liquor, tobacco, perfumes, and more are available at the airport’s shops. Duty-free shopping is available.
SIM Cards – Pablito tells us, SIM cards are available at the airport, but they are overpriced. At the airport the rate is from USD 40 (20gb) vs the town rate from USD 8 (5 GB)/USD 11 (10GB).” (March 2025)
Smoking – A smoking lounge is located on the 1st floor of the departure pier, near the duty-free.
Last updated: 2024-08-26
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.