Travelling from Colombo to Velana International Airport (MLE): what you need to know
Colombo's main base, Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), is where plenty of awesome adventures begin. Explore the departure options from here when planning your flight from Colombo to Velana International Airport (MLE).
Approximately 1 hour 31 minutes is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct flight from Colombo to Velana International Airport.
Velana International Airport is located in Malé. The city operates in the UTC+5 timezone and is 30 minutes behind Colombo.
The most popular route is from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to Velana International Airport (MLE), with 80 direct weekly services. If you'd like to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from CMB to MLE is the 06:35 Servant Air, Inc. option. If you have other commitments or plans on your day of travel, the final departure is at 22:35 with Maldivian.
To ensure you catch your flight from Colombo to MLE, allow plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
During popular months such as August, it's a good idea to get to the airport earlier than normal. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for an international flight when you travel during high season in general.
Airports in Colombo
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) will have you travelling directly to your destination. Nonstop flights from Colombo to Velana International Airport (MLE) operate out of this terminal.
These are some of the top airlines operating direct flights from Colombo to Velana International Airport departing from CMB:
We make it a piece of cake to book a flight from Colombo to MLE with a stopover. To see your options leaving from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, pick a flight offering a stop long enough to see the sights of the city of your choice. Popular stopovers between CMB and MLE include:
Muscat International Airport (MCT)
Trivandrum International Airport (TRV)
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD)
From the centre of Colombo, CMB is approximately 32 kilometres away. Visit the official airport website or use navigation apps to find the best way to reach the terminal.
Searching for a convenient hotel close to Bandaranaike International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Colombo to Velana International Airport, these stays will put you moments from your departure gate:
About Velana International Airport (MLE)
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Colombo to Velana International Airport. Stay at one of these accommodation options near MLE instead:
Getting from Velana International Airport (MLE) to central Malé
Velana International Airport to central Malé takes around 15 minutes in a car. It's approximately 5 kilometres away. Find out what options are available, such as car rentals, cabs or ride-sharing services.
How to find the cheapest flights from Colombo to Velana International Airport (MLE)
P5,010 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Colombo to Velana International Airport. Return flights start from P12,036. Fares are subject to availability and may change at any time.
Don't leave everything to the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap tickets from Colombo to MLE if you book ahead. Airlines often offer some great early bird deals.
If you're flexible with your trip dates, try using the 'Whole month' tool. It'll find the cheapest price in each month when searching for your ticket from Colombo to Velana International Airport.
Create a Price Alert for cheap tickets from Colombo to MLE. There's no need to check every day to see if prices have dropped. We'll update you the moment there's a change in price.
Use the filters to tailor your flights from Colombo to Velana International Airport. Select your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
The best time to fly from Colombo to Velana International Airport (MLE)
April is the quietest time of year to fly to Malé. Alternatively, follow the crowds and get away in August. This is the busiest month for flights from Colombo to Velana International Airport.
The warmest month in Malé is May, with the temperature ranging between 26ºC and 29ºC. Book your flights from Colombo to MLE in this month if you enjoy this type of weather.
Visit in January if you want cooler conditions. Average temperatures range between 25ºC and 28ºC. However, this destination promises a good time whenever you book your cheap flights from Colombo to Velana International Airport.
More about Malé
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in Malé right here. Check out these options as soon as you've booked your flight from Colombo to Velana International Airport:
National Museum and Islamic Centre are just the start of the popular attractions to add to your Malé travel itinerary. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out Artificial Beach.
Complete your Malé trip with a car rental
After you've booked your hotel and cheap flight from Colombo to Velana International Airport, the next task is choosing one of our car rentals in Malé. Check out the deals and easily compare your options on price, fuel policies, and more.