Holidays from London to Maldives

There are no direct flights from London to the Maldives, so every route below involves a connection, and we tailor the transfer to the resort you choose.

• Velana International Airport: Velana International Airport sits on its own island right beside the capital, so it is the gateway for almost every journey from London. After your long-haul flight you will land here and then continue by speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight to your resort. Because it is so close to the city, arrivals are straightforward to organise, and we confirm the onward connection before you travel. Our view is that a short onward leg is always easier to manage than a long one after an overnight flight.
• Malé: The capital is the main port, and it is the place most visitors pass through on the way in or out of the islands. It is a compact, densely populated city where you can walk from one end to the other, and its mosques, markets and waterfront give a glimpse of everyday Maldivian life. If your flight timings leave you with a night to spare, a stay here or a short walk before your boat departs is a useful break. We would recommend allowing time in your itinerary so you are not rushing between flights.
• Hulhumalé: Hulhumalé is a reclaimed island linked to the capital by causeway and developed as a residential and commercial area close to the airport. Its location makes it a practical choice for a first or last night, because it is much nearer to the airport than the resort atolls are. Many travellers appreciate having a calm base with easy access to shops and cafés before or after their island stay. For a short connection, we think it works well as a practical stopover rather than a destination in its own right.
• Kaafu Atoll: Kaafu Atoll is the atoll that contains the capital, and it is the nearest of the atolls to the airport, which keeps onward transfers short. Resorts here can be reached by speedboat in a relatively brief trip, making it a sensible option for travellers who want to reduce time spent in transit. Because the atoll is close to the main hub, flight arrivals and departures are easier to align with a boat transfer. We see it as a strong choice when a short journey after landing matters more than remoteness.
• Ari Atoll: Ari Atoll is one of the most visited atolls and sits relatively close to the capital by speedboat or seaplane, with many resorts within reach of the airport. It is known for strong whale shark and diving opportunities, so it suits travellers who want a convenient route combined with excellent marine life. Transfer times vary by resort, and we confirm the exact method and duration for your chosen property at the time of booking. In our experience, Ari Atoll offers one of the best balances between accessibility and reef quality. It is exactly the brief our Maldives holidays deals are built around.