The UK To Maldives Flight Time For Direct And Indirect Flights
The UK to Maldives flight time is approximately 10-11 hours depending on which airline you choose and your departure airport. That’s for a direct flight.
Some flights stop in the Middle East in Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, to pick up a connecting flight resulting in a flight times of approximately 12-13 hours. BA’s direct Maldives flights from Heathrow are an average flight time of about 9 hours.
You can get there from Heathrow Airport or London Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Newcastle, and Glasgow aboard Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways. British Airways provides flights to The Maldives through their partner airline, Qatar Airways. You would need to check with your travel agent whether or not you need change planes at these ME stopovers.
Most international flights arrive at Velana International Airport (aka Male International Airport – MLE) on Hulhulé Island in the North Malé Atoll and Gan International Airport, though as you can see in the list below, there are three other international airports capable of handling a commercial airliner that would fly directly from Sri Lanka, India, and the rest of the Asian region.
Are you looking for a cheap flight from the United Kingdom to Velana International Airport? Compare prices from all major airlines and travel agents to find the best deal. Don’t forget to check out our tips on how to save money on your next flight!
Where are The Maldives?
The Maldives is an island country located in the Indian Ocean. The archipelago of the Maldives is composed of 1,192 coral islands grouped in a double chain of 26 atolls, all of which have a total land area of 298 square kilometers and lie south-southwest of India and west-southwest of Sri Lanka.
The Maldives is the smallest Asian country by land area and population and is also one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with a population of over half a million and a density of 1,102 people per square kilometer. The majority of the islands are uninhabited and only about 200 of them are inhabited. The capital city Malé is located on an island in the central part of the archipelago.
It is a tropical country and the weather is generally hot and humid throughout the year. The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April, which is the dry season in the country.
BA Maldives Flights
Direct flights from London to Male
| Departure at | Return at | Airline | Find tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 July 2023 | 14 July 2023 |  | Tickets from GBP 1 019 |
| 24 August 2023 | 30 August 2023 | | Tickets from GBP 1 950 |
| 19 September 2023 | 27 September 2023 | | Tickets from GBP 1 101 |
More than 21 flights every day, from 10h 25m
| Time and stops | Airline | Flight number | Schedule | Find tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
10:00 → 06:05+1 1 Stop |  Gulf Air | GF 2 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
11:55 → 07:50+1 1 Stop |  Qatar Airways | QR 10 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
11:55 → 08:25+1 1 Stop | Qatar Airways | QR 10 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
13:30 → 09:45+1 1 Stop |  Lufthansa | LH 907 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
14:05 → 07:50+1 1 Stop |  British Airways | BA 2033 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
14:05 → 08:25+1 1 Stop | British Airways | BA 2033 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
14:05 → 10:00+1 1 Stop | British Airways | BA 2033 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
14:20 → 07:40+1 1 Stop |  Emirates | EK 2 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
14:20 → 09:30+1 1 Stop | Emirates | EK 2 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
14:30 → 07:40+1 1 Stop | Emirates | EK 16 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
14:30 → 09:30+1 1 Stop | Emirates | EK 16 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
14:55 → 07:40+1 1 Stop | Emirates | EK 66 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
14:55 → 09:30+1 1 Stop | Emirates | EK 66 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
15:05 → 07:50+1 1 Stop | Qatar Airways | QR 4 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
15:05 → 08:25+1 1 Stop | Qatar Airways | QR 4 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
15:05 → 10:00+1 1 Stop | Qatar Airways | QR 4 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
15:30 → 09:45+1 1 Stop | Lufthansa | LH 909 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
15:40 → 12:00+1 1 Stop |  Turkish Airlines | TK 1964 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
16:30 → 09:45+1 1 Stop | Lufthansa | LH 911 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
16:40 → 12:00+1 1 Stop | Turkish Airlines | TK 1986 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
16:50 → 09:30+1 1 Stop | Emirates | EK 30 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
17:00 → 12:00+1 1 Stop | Turkish Airlines | TK 1998 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
17:45 → 12:00+1 1 Stop | British Airways | BA 680 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
18:00 → 12:00+1 1 Stop | Turkish Airlines | TK 1932 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
18:15 → 12:00+1 1 Stop | British Airways | BA 680 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
18:30 → 12:00+1 1 Stop | Turkish Airlines | TK 1972 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
18:35 → 09:00+1 Direct | British Airways | BA 61 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
19:05 → 12:00+1 1 Stop | Turkish Airlines | TK 1934 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
19:50 → 15:00+1 1 Stop | Emirates | EK 32 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
20:40 → 15:00+1 1 Stop | Emirates | EK 4 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
20:40 → 15:30+1 1 Stop | Emirates | EK 4 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
21:10 → 15:00+1 1 Stop | Emirates | EK 68 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
21:10 → 15:30+1 1 Stop | Emirates | EK 68 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
21:30 → 14:25+1 1 Stop |  Srilankan Airlines | UL 504 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
21:30 → 18:00+1 1 Stop | Srilankan Airlines | UL 504 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
21:30 → 18:30+1 1 Stop | Srilankan Airlines | UL 504 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
21:45 → 15:00+1 1 Stop | Emirates | EK 10 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
21:45 → 15:30+1 1 Stop | Emirates | EK 10 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
22:15 → 15:00+1 1 Stop | Emirates | EK 6 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
22:15 → 15:30+1 1 Stop | Emirates | EK 6 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
Cheapest Flights to The Maldives
Although a very desireable place to visit, the cost of flights can often be a barrier to entry. There are a few things that you can do in order to find cheap flights to The Maldives.
First, be flexible with your travel dates. If you are willing to fly during the off-season, you are more likely to find the cheapest flight then compared to high season. Second, be air travel savvy and compare prices between different airlines. Prices do vary depending on demand and the class of travel available. Third, sign up for fare alerts with a few of the flight ticket providers. This way, you will be notified as soon as there is a drop in prices.
Finally, compare the ticket prices to each destination within the country. The cheapest ticket might not be to one of the nearby airports and the transfer to your hotel might be less than the difference.
The cheapest round-trip tickets from London to Male
| Departure at | Return at | Stops | Airline | Find tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 September 2023 | 2 October 2023 | Direct |  | Tickets from GBP 567 |
| 11 September 2023 | 18 September 2023 | 1 Stop |  | Tickets from GBP 444 |
| 9 January 2024 | 17 January 2024 | 1 Stop |  | Tickets from GBP 518 |
Maldives Airports
International Airports
- Malé Airport (Velana, MLE)
- Gan Airport (GAN)
- Villa Airport (Maamigili, VAM)
- Hanimaadhoo Airport (HAQ)
- Maafaru Airport (NMF)
Domestic Airports
- Dharavandhoo Airport (DRV)
- Dhaalu Airport (DDD)
- Fuvahmulah Airport (FVM)
- Ifuru Airport (IFU)
- Kaadedhdhoo Airport (KDM)
- Kadhdhoo Airport (KDO)
- Kooddoo Airport (GKK)
- Thimarafushi Airport (TMF)
- Hoarafushi Airport (HRF)
- Funadhoo Airport (FND)
Airlines
| Airline | Commenced operations | Aircraft Fleet |
|---|---|---|
| Flyme | 2011 | 4 x ATR 72 Twin-engined turbo prop aircraft |
| Maldivian | 2000 | Airbus 320 & 321, Dash8-200 & 300, DHC-6 Twin Otters |
| Manta Air | 2016 | 3 x ATR 72 Twin-engined turbo prop aircraft |
| Trans Maldivian Airways | 1989 | De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter seaplanes |
Hotel Transfers
Once you arrive and disembark from your international flight, get ready for the final leg of your journey. Connecting flights from Male airport to other islands are frequent, but not always in seaplanes. Depending on which hotel you’ve booked (and your budget) the final stage might be using seaplane transfers or speedboat transfers.
Some people opt for one or the other regardless of the cost as the prospect of flying in a De Havilland Twin Otter, taking off and landing on water, is the most exciting part of the trip. For others, the opposite is true and they opt for the water taxis.
UK to Maldives flight time
There are direct flights from London to Malé, the capital city of Maldives, with a flight time of approximately 9-10 hours.
The national carrier of Maldives is Maldivian and they operate direct flights from London Heathrow to Malé International Airport. The flight time is 11 hours and 30 minutes.
There are also indirect flights to the Maldives from the UK with a stopover in Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai or Kuala Lumpur. These flights are operated by Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Malaysia Airlines.
- The flight time from London to Malé via Abu Dhabi is 12 hours and 10 minutes with Etihad Airways.
- The flight time from London to Malé via Doha is 12 hours and 20 minutes with Qatar Airways.
- The flight time from London to Malé via Dubai is 12 hours and 30 minutes with Emirates.
- The flight time from London to Malé via Kuala Lumpur is 13 hours and 50 minutes with Malaysia Airlines.
What is the time difference between the UK and The Maldives?
The Maldives is 4 hours ahead of the UK.
How to get around in The Maldives?
The best way to get around the Maldives is by boat. There are public ferries that operate between the islands and there are also private speedboats and dhoni boats that can be hired.
Public ferries in the Maldives are operated by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) and they operate between the capital city Malé and other islands in the archipelago.
The fare for a one-way journey on a public ferry is usually between $2 and $5.
Private speedboats and dhoni boats can be hired from guesthouses, hotels and resorts. The fare for a private speedboat or dhoni boat is usually between $50 and $100 per day.
What is the currency in The Maldives?
The currency in the Maldives is the Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR).
- 1 USD = 15.42 MVR
- 1 GBP = 20.01 MVR
- 1 EUR = 16.65 MVR
What is the voltage in The Maldives?
The voltage in the Maldives is 220-240 volts AC, 50Hz.
What is the language spoken in The Maldives?
The official and national language of the Maldives is Dhivehi. English is also widely spoken in the Maldives.
WiFi and Internet Services in The Maldives
The Maldives is a modern and tech-savvy nation with reliable internet services. Millions of citizens rely on fast, reliable WiFi to stay connected and keep up with the latest trends and developments in their respective fields. Whether it’s streaming videos, posting selfies to social media, or working remotely, the people of the Maldives have come to depend on robust internet access and WiFi connectivity.
The government continues to invest in cutting-edge technology that can support our modern digital lifestyles. It is only with this infrastructure that the country can continue to thrive as a nation both socially and economically.
For visitors and travellers, a secure, flexible, and dpendable WiFi can be acquired at reasonable rates from TravelWifi.com.
What is the religion practiced in The Maldives?
The majority of the population in the Maldives practice Islam of which there are two main denominations: Sunni and Shia. Sunni Islam is the more dominant of the two, making up around 80% of the Muslim population. Maldivians primarily practice a moderate form of Sunni Islam, which has been influenced by Sufism.
However, there is a small minority of Shia Muslims, who make up around 20% of the Muslim population. The Maldives also has a small number of Christian and Hindu residents, although these religions are not as widely practiced as Islam. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of Maldivians converting to Christianity, although the overall number of Christians in the Maldives is still quite small.
What are the entry requirements for The Maldives?
All visitors to the Maldives must have a valid passport and a tourist visa, which can be obtained on arrival in the country.
Visitors from most countries, including the UK, can obtain a 30-day tourist visa on arrival in the Maldives.
Visas are free of charge for all nationalities and can be obtained either upon arrival at the airport, or in advance from a Maldivian embassy or consulate.
All visitors to the Maldives must have a return or onward ticket and enough money to support themselves during their stay in the country.
Always check your own country’s government website for the very latest entry regulations and required documents.
What is the food like in The Maldives?
The food in the Maldives is a mix of Indian, Sri Lankan and Middle Eastern cuisines. Fish is the main ingredient in most Maldivian dishes.
Rice is the staple food in the Maldives and it is usually served with fish curry. Other popular dishes include mas huni (tuna, coconut and chili paste), garudiya (turtle soup) and kiri batu (coconut milk and rice pudding).
Fruit and vegetables are also widely available in the Maldives. Some of the most popular fruits in the Maldives include coconuts, bananas, mangoes, pineapples and watermelons.
What is the climate like in The Maldives?
The climate in the Maldives is tropical and it is generally hot and humid throughout the year. The average temperature is around 30 degrees Celsius.
The rainy season in the Maldives is from May to November and the dry season is from December to April.
What is the best time to visit The Maldives?
The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April, which is the dry season in the country.
If you’re looking for the cheapest flights to the Maldives, you’ll want to travel during the off-season. The cheapest month to fly is typically January, followed by February and March. As for the cheapest time of day to fly, that would be early morning or late at night.
Keep in mind that the time zone difference between the Maldives and your home country will also affect flight prices. For example, flights from Europe are typically cheaper during the summer months when there is less demand.
To get the best deal on your flight, be sure to compare prices from multiple airlines and book in advance. With a little planning, you can enjoy a tropical getaway without breaking the bank.
What is activities are popular among tourists?
The Maldives is one of the most popular destinations for its natural beauty, beautiful beaches, stunning coral reefs, marine life, and luxury resort islands. However, there are also several activities available for tourists looking to experience something more than just the typical beach vacation. One popular activity is snorkeling, as the Maldives is home to some of the most pristine coral reefs in the world.
Another popular activity is diving, as the clear waters offer visibility of up to 30 meters. For those interested in culture, there are several museums and temples located throughout the country. And for those who want to relax, there are plenty of spas offering treatments such as Ayurvedic massage and aromatherapy. With so many activities available, it’s no wonder why the Maldives is such a popular tourist destination.
What should I pack for a trip to The Maldives?
When packing for a trip to the Maldives, it’s important to remember that, being in the Indian Ocean, it has a tropical climate and it is therefore generally hot and humid throughout the year. As such, you’ll want to pack light clothing that is made of natural fabrics. Cotton and linen is ideal.
It’s also a good idea to pack a pair of flip-flops or sandals, as well as a hat or sunglasses to protect you from the sun. Other items you may want to pack include insect repellent (mosquitoes can be a problem in the Maldives), plenty of sunscreen, and plenty of room on your credit card as Maldives prices are high, at least they are for tourists.
Rubbish Dumps on The Maldives
Although The Maldives is an idyllic paradise, it is not immune to the problem of waste disposal. Landfill sites and waste dumps can be found on many of the islands, often in close proximity to tourist resorts. The Maldives government is aware of the problem and has implemented a number of initiatives to try to address it. In particular, they have introduced a mandatory waste segregation program in all resort hotels and are working with local NGOs to carry out regular beach clean-ups.
However, much more needs to be done in order to keep The Maldives clean and pristine. Moreover, with the increasing number of tourists visiting the island chain each year, the problem is likely to become worse before it gets better.
