Malé city is a 5-minute ferry from the airport island. The fish market and local cafes (serving roshi flatbread and tuna curry) give authentic Maldivian life.
Things to do at Velana International Airport (MLE)
Velana International AirportMLE
At the airport
Things to do in Velana International Airport
Velana International Airport in Malé serves one of the world's most extraordinary destinations — the Maldives, a nation of 26 atolls where overwater bungalows, coral reefs, and turquoise lagoons define the experience. Malé itself is a densely packed island city worth a quick walk — the old Friday Mosque (Hukuru Miskiy) with its coral stone carvings, the fish market at sunset, and the vibrant local harbor scene. Most resort islands require a 20–45 minute speedboat or 30-min seaplane transfer.
Insider intel
Top Tips for Velana International Airport
- Public island day trips to Maafushi or Guraidhoo are accessible from Malé's ferry terminal for those wanting a beach without resort prices.
- Seaplane transfers to remote atolls are only available during daylight hours — schedule connections carefully.
Lounge directory
Browse lounges at MLE
2 Sanctifly partner lounges at Velana International Airport. Each is bookable with points.
100 points per guestMoonimaa Lounge
The Moonimaa Lounge at Velana International Airport (MLE) in Male, Maldives is a convenient airport lounge option for travel when you’re still landside in the Main Terminal, before passing through security in the domestic terminal area. If you’re arriving at the terminal entrance and want to locate the lounge quickly, enter the building, then turn right and head toward the stairs leading up to the first floor; an elevator is also available and is a helpful choice if you’re traveling with luggage or prefer step-free access. Once you reach the top of the stairs (or exit the elevator on the first floor), turn left and continue along the corridor to find the Moonimaa Lounge entrance. Because it’s located before security, this landside location is ideal for travelers who want to relax, regroup, or wait comfortably prior to check-in and screening at Velana International Airport in Male, Maldives.Book Now
100 points per guestHuvandhumaa Lounge
At Velana International Airport (MLE) in Male, Maldives, the Huvandhumaa Lounge is an airside airport lounge located in the Seaplane Terminal, making it a convenient stop for travelers continuing their journey by seaplane. After you complete the security checks, remain in the airside departures area and head to the first floor, where you’ll find the lounge. Its post-security location means you can settle in and relax without needing to pass back through screening, which is especially helpful when coordinating seaplane connections and managing tight travel schedules at Velana International Airport.Book Now
Purchase a Sanctifly membership via our website or app.
Unlock airport-specific digital content and reserve VIP lounges using the points included with your plan.
Select the tier that fits your travel habits; higher tiers include more points.
When you book a lounge, you'll receive a unique access code in the app and by email—show this at the lounge to gain access.
You can buy extra points at any time, and rates improve with higher-tier plans.
Membership unlocks airport-specific digital content and the ability to book VIP lounges using points.
Each tier
Liftoff ($25/year)
Explorer ($97/year)
Jetsetter ($220/year)
Trailblazer ($399/year)
provides a different annual points allowance (except Liftoff, which doesn't include points) that refreshes when your subscription renews. You can use your points to reserve lounge access and purchase additional points through the app if you need more.
Higher tiers not only come with more points but also reduce the per-point price when buying extra.
Points are the currency you use in the Liftoff app to book VIP lounge visits. Most plans — Liftoff, Explorer, Jetsetter and Trailblazer — include a points allowance that is deposited into your account whenever your subscription renews. Liftoff does not include points. You spend points to reserve lounges and you can top up your balance at any time through the app. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.
Additional points can be purchased directly in the Sanctifly app from your mobile. All plans allow you to buy more points whenever you need them, and the per-point price decreases on higher-tier plans. Purchased points are added to your account immediately and are non-refundable. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.