
How Long is a Flight to the Maldives?
The Maldives is a paradise of white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and immense beauty.
This tropical destination located in the Indian Ocean has been attracting travellers for decades, but many may not be familiar with how long it takes to get to the Maldives?
A flight to the Maldives from most major international airports typically takes around 10-12 hours. Depending on the route, the average time for a direct flight is 8-14 hours.
For example, a flight from London to Malé, the capital of the Maldives, will take approximately 11 hours and 45 minutes.

This article will examine the approximate travel times from various cities worldwide to the Maldives.
What is the Average Flight Time from Your Country to the Maldives?
The average flight time from your country to the Maldives depends on your starting point, airline, and route.
Most travellers reach the islands via direct flights from countries like India and Sri Lanka.
Others may need to change planes in Dubai or elsewhere before reaching their destination.
So, if you’re wondering, “how long is a Maldives flight?” It primarily depends on your departure location and whether you’re taking a direct flight or have layovers along the way.
The following table guides approximate flight times for direct-flight services to the Maldives.
Your Country | Flight Time to Maldives | Distance |
---|---|---|
US | 20-25 hours | 9269 miles |
UK | 10-11 hours | 5511 miles |
India | 4-5 hours | 1261 miles |
Dubai, UAE | 4 hours | 1931 miles |
Pakistan | 6-7 hours | 1893 miles |
Sri Lanka | 2 hours | 610 miles |
Bangladesh | 4-5 hours | 1818 miles |
Singapore | 4 hours, 25 minutes | 2115 miles |
Russia | 9-31 hours | 4358 miles |
China | 7 hours | 2997 miles |
Switzerland | 9 hours, 30 minutes | 4885 miles |
Thailand (Bangkok) | 5 hours | 2079 miles |
Turkey | 8-9 hours | 3430 miles |
Malaysia | 4 hours, 30 minutes | 1982 miles |
Japan | 9 hours, 17 minutes | 4700 miles |
Indonesia | 5-6 hours | 2822 miles |
Kazakhstan | 6-7 hours | 3117 miles |
Germany | 10 hours | 4883 miles |
Belgium | 11 hours | 5119 miles |
Saudi Arabia | 5-6 hours | 2357 miles |
How Long Does it Take to Fly to the Maldives From the US?
The amount of time it takes to fly from the US to the Maldives depends on which city you are departing from and which airport in the Maldives you are arriving at.
The flight typically ranges anywhere from 16-21 hours, depending on your departure location and any layovers that may be included.
If you’re departing from a city like New York, you might have a layover in a major hub like Tokyo. What is Tokyo known for? It’s famous for its iconic landmarks like the Tokyo Tower and historic sites.

Suppose your journey to the Maldives includes a layover in Tokyo. In that case, you should explore some of these fascinating aspects of the city during your stopover.
Look at this table for the direct-flight duration to the Maldives from the UK’s top cities.
City | Flight Duration |
---|---|
Washington D.C. | 16 hours and 10 minutes |
New York City | 17 hours and 30 minutes |
Boston, MA | 19 hours and 15 minutes |
Los Angeles, CA | 21 hours |
What is the Average Travel Time for Flights From the UK to the Maldives?
When planning your trip to the Maldives, you might wonder, “How long to fly to Maldives?”
The average flying time for a direct flight from the UK to the Maldives is approximately 11 hours and 20 minutes.
However, this can vary depending on the route taken and the airline operating the flight.
Most flights from London to Male (the capital of the Maldives) will take between ten and twelve hours.
The total travel time for indirect flights can take up to 25 hours, depending on the number of stops and waiting times.
When travelling from other cities in the UK to the Maldives, it is important to consider ground transportation and flight duration.
The total travel time can depend on the route taken, usually between 14 to 24 hours.
UK Cities | Flight Duratin to Maldives |
---|---|
London (LGW) | 11:20 hours |
Birmingham (BHX) | 12:00 hours |
Manchester (MAN) | 11:30 hours |
Glasgow (GLA) | 12:20 hours |
Newcastle (NCL) | 11:45 hours |
How Long Is the Flight to the Maldives From Europe?
The flight time to the Maldives from Europe typically ranges from 8 – 11 hours, depending on the exact departure and arrival cities.

Most direct flights from Europe to the Maldives take approximately 9 hours, but indirect flights with layovers along the way can stretch this duration to 11 hours or more.
Additionally, certain airlines may offer non-stop flights that can reduce the flight time to approximately 8 hours.
Cities | Flight Duration (Hrs) |
---|---|
London, UK | 9 hrs 30 mins |
Frankfurt, Germany | 8 hrs 20 mins |
Paris, France | 9 hrs 25 mins |
Madrid, Spain | 9 hrs 40 mins |
Moscow, Russia | 10 hrs 45 mins |
What is the Approximate Flight Duration from India to the Maldives?
The approximate flight duration from India to the Maldives is approximately 2.5 hours.
The exact flight time will depend on various factors, such as the departure and arrival airports, speed of the aircraft, prevailing weather conditions along the route, etc.
A few airlines offer several direct flights between different cities in India and the Maldives.
However, many flights include one or more stopovers in other cities such as Colombo, Male, and Trivandrum.
Furthermore, the flight time also varies depending on your chosen airline and the aircraft type.
Departure City | Flight Duration (Hrs) |
---|---|
Delhi | 2.5 Hours |
Mumbai | 4 Hours |
Bangalore | 3.5 Hours |
Chennai | 3.5 Hours |
Trivandrum | 2 Hours |
Kolkata | 3.5 Hours |
Things to Consider Before Flight To Maldives:
The Maldives is a beautiful destination that provides the perfect escape for travellers exploring its natural beauty and exotic culture.
But before you get too excited about booking your trip, knowing how long it takes to get there is important.
Here are some things to keep in mind when planning your journey:
1. Flight Duration
Depending on your departure point, a flight to the Maldives can range from just over 4 to more than 20 hours.

Most flights usually involve a layover in at least one other country and possibly multiple stops if you’re flying from somewhere farther away.
2. Time Zones
The Maldives is 5 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+5).
So, if you’re travelling from a place with an earlier time zone than GMT+5, you’ll need to factor in the difference when planning your departure and arrival times.
3. Travel Documents
Check what travel documents are required to enter the Maldives before planning your trip.
For example, U.S. citizens need to present a valid passport to enter the country, while British citizens require either a valid passport or an alternative form of identification like an EU national ID card.
4. Vaccinations
Depending on where you’re travelling from and the length of your stay, a certain set of vaccinations may be required to enter the Maldives.
Certain countries may also require a yellow fever vaccination to be allowed entry, so it’s important to check the latest health advice and requirements.
5. Weather Conditions
The worst time to visit the Maldives is during the monsoon season (May – October), as flights may be delayed or cancelled due to bad weather conditions.
If possible, it’s best to avoid this time of year and plan your trip for November – April, when flights are more reliable.
Doing a little research beforehand ensures that your journey to the Maldives is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
How to Know the Flight Duration to the Maldives or Any Country?
Travelling to the Maldives or any other country requires careful planning.
Knowing the flight duration to the Maldives or any other destination is essential for making travel arrangements and setting expectations.

You can easily check the estimated flight duration to your chosen destination in several ways.
- Hit ‘Search Flights’ to see a list of flight options.
- Enter the ‘From’ and ‘To’ destinations in the given field.
- You can click on the one that suits you best and check the total time of your flight, including any layovers.
Flight to the Maldives FAQs
What airlines fly to Maldives?
Several airlines fly to the Maldives, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and more.
Can you fly directly to the Maldives without any layovers?
Yes, you can fly direct to the Maldives without any layovers. Multiple airlines offer direct flights to the Maldives from around the world.
How to get to the Maldives from the US?
To get to the Maldives from the US, you can take a flight with one or more layovers, typically connecting in major international airports like Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul.
Conclusion
The Maldives is a dream destination for many travellers. Its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant culture make it the perfect holiday destination.
Looking through this article, you now have all the information you need to plan your trip to the Maldives. You know how long it takes to get there, what kind of travel documents you need, and which airlines offer direct flights.
Additionally, you know the weather conditions and the best time to visit this tropical paradise.
With careful planning and research, your trip to the Maldives will surely be memorable! So consider this information while planning your next getaway and begin exploring the wonders of the Maldives today.