Quick answer
Mumbai to Malé is a non-stop flight of about 2 hours 30 minutes, roughly 1,660 km. IndiGo and Air India fly the route into Velana International Airport. One-way economy fares start near ₹11,000 booked 3–6 weeks ahead outside peak season. Indians get a free 30-day visa on arrival with a confirmed hotel booking and must file the IMUGA declaration.
Route facts
- Flight time
- 2h 30m
- Distance
- ≈ 1,660 km
- Starting fare
- ₹11,000 one-way
- Airlines
- IndiGo, Air India
- Cheapest months
- Jul–Sep
- Entry
- Free 30-day visa on arrival with a confirmed hotel booking and return ticket; submit the IMUGA traveller declaration within 96 hours before arrival.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) to Velana International Airport (MLE). Fares are typical starting one-way economy prices booked 3–6 weeks ahead outside peak dates — live prices vary by the hour.
Which airlines fly Mumbai to Malé non-stop?
IndiGo and Air India run the non-stops from Terminal 2 at the time of review, landing at Velana International on Hulhulé island. The Maldives is 30 minutes behind India, so the clock barely moves.
Why arrival time matters more than departure time
Seaplanes to resorts fly only in daylight, and the last departures leave in mid-afternoon. If your resort needs a seaplane, choose a flight that lands by about 2 pm; otherwise you may spend a night in Hulhumalé or pay for a domestic flight and speedboat. Resorts within speedboat range in North and South Malé atolls can be reached late in the evening.
Baggage: full-service vs low-cost
Air India economy fares include a meal and a checked bag. IndiGo charges for meals and seats, and its cheapest fares may carry a lower checked allowance. Seaplanes have strict limits, often around 20 kg checked and 5 kg hand baggage per person, and charge for extra, so pack light for the whole trip.
Getting from Velana to your resort
Resort transfers are arranged by the hotel and paid separately. Speedboats take 20 minutes to 1.5 hours and cost USD 100–300 (₹8,800–26,400) return per person; seaplanes take 30–60 minutes and cost USD 500–900 (₹44,000–79,000) return. Malé city is a short ferry or taxi ride across the bridge.
When to book and connecting options
Book 3–6 weeks ahead, earlier for the November–February honeymoon season. December to April is dry high season; May to October is wetter, with July to September usually bringing the lowest fares. Non-stops are frequent enough that connecting rarely makes sense.
Tips for families and seniors
Seaplane boarding involves steps and a floating platform, so tell the resort about mobility needs in advance. Choose a beach villa over a water villa if you're travelling with toddlers. Carry US dollars in small notes for tips.
See our Maldives visa guide, the Maldives trip cost page, things to do in the Maldives and more routes on flights.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Mumbai to the Maldives?
Do Indians need a visa for the Maldives?
What time should I land in Malé for a seaplane transfer?
Is a speedboat or seaplane resort better when flying from Mumbai?
How we checked this page
Last reviewed
Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.






