5 Airlines That Connect Travellers Across the Maldives

Travelling through the Maldives is an experience in itself. Unlike most destinations, getting from one island to another often involves seaplanes or short domestic flights that reveal the scattered beauty of the archipelago from above.

While international airlines bring travellers to Velana International Airport, a number of local carriers handle the journeys between the country’s islands, atolls, and resort destinations. From scenic seaplane flights to quick domestic connections, these airlines play a vital role in how visitors experience the Maldives.

Here are five airlines that help connect travellers across the Maldives.

Villa Air, operated under the Villa Group, is one of the airlines connecting travellers to some of the Maldives’ most picturesque destinations. The airline operates flights between Velana International Airport and regional airports including Villa International Airport in Maamigili and Dharavandhoo Airport.

In recent years, Villa Air introduced an updated aircraft livery inspired by the colours of the Maldives itself. The design reflects the deep blues of the ocean, the greens of palm-lined islands, and the white of the country’s famous sandy beaches, capturing the essence of the destination in flight.

For travellers heading toward South Ari Atoll or Baa Atoll, Villa Air provides a convenient domestic connection before resort transfers continue by speedboat.

Trans Maldivian Airways — widely known as TMA — is the world’s largest seaplane operator and one of the most iconic aviation experiences in the Maldives.

The airline began decades ago as Hummingbird Island Helicopters before evolving into the extensive seaplane network it is today. From Velana International Airport, TMA carries guests to dozens of resort islands scattered across the archipelago.

For many travellers, a seaplane transfer becomes one of the most memorable parts of a Maldives trip. The aircraft fly low over coral reefs, lagoons, and tiny islands, offering views that few commercial flights anywhere in the world can match.

Maldivian is the national airline of the Maldives and operates the country’s largest domestic flight network.

Using a combination of wheeled aircraft and seaplanes, Maldivian connects travellers to numerous airports across the country, linking Velana International Airport with destinations in atolls such as Addu, Dhaalu, Baa, and Gaafu.

Beyond domestic routes, the airline also operates international services to nearby countries including India and Bangladesh. For travellers planning to visit multiple local islands or explore beyond resort destinations, Maldivian often becomes an important part of the itinerary.

BeOnd Airlines represents a newer chapter in Maldives aviation. Launched in 2023, the airline focuses on an all-premium travel experience designed specifically for leisure travellers heading to the Maldives.

The airline’s aircraft feature lie-flat seating, curated dining, and a luxury-focused service model that mirrors the resort experience travellers expect upon arrival. BeOnd currently operates flights between Velana International Airport and several international cities, including Dubai, Milan, Munich, Riyadh, and Zurich.

With its boutique-style approach to aviation, the airline aims to bring travellers to the Maldives with the same sense of comfort and exclusivity they will find once they reach their island resort.

Manta Air has quickly become another key airline connecting travellers throughout the Maldives. The airline operates both seaplanes and domestic aircraft, serving a growing number of resorts and regional airports.

From its base at Velana International Airport, Manta Air connects passengers to destinations across several atolls, offering convenient transfers to resort islands and local communities alike.

The airline has also expanded internationally, introducing flights to India in 2024 with services between Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport and Dhaalu Airport in the Maldives. The route reflects the growing travel demand between South Asia and the island nation.

While international airlines such as Emirates, Singapore Airlines, SriLankan Airlines and Flydubai bring visitors to Velana International Airport, the final stretch of the journey often happens aboard one of these local carriers.

Whether arriving by seaplane above a turquoise lagoon or touching down at a small regional airport surrounded by palm-lined islands, these flights offer a glimpse of the Maldives that many travellers remember long after the trip ends.

In the Maldives, even the journey between islands can feel like part of the adventure.