There is no nonstop from Chennai to the Maldives: the fastest one-stop journey takes about 4 h 15, on IndiGo via Kochi, and SriLankan via Colombo takes about 4 h 20 on its best connection. Every route ends at Malé (MLE), and the Maldives runs thirty minutes behind IST.
- Fastest
- about 4 h 15 (one stop)
- Nonstop
- No
- Fares
- from about ₹24,000 return
- Airports
- MAA
Direct flights from Chennai
No airline flies nonstop from Chennai to Malé, so treat any page promising direct flights from Chennai with suspicion. The nearest Indian nonstops leave from Bengaluru (IndiGo, about 2 h) and Kochi (IndiGo and Maldivian, about 1 h 30). Schedules change every season, so check the airline before you book.
Flight options from Chennai
| Airline | Route | Typical journey | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | via Kochi or Bengaluru | from about 4 h 15 | The fastest connection, via Kochi, and often the cheapest fare |
| SriLankan Airlines | via Colombo | from about 4 h 20 | Often among the cheapest fares; the fastest connection lands in the evening, after the seaplanes stop |
Fares and when to book
Return economy from Chennai usually runs about ₹24,000–₹36,000, depending on the season (Google Flights typical prices, October 2026). Fares are lowest in November and highest in July. The Maldives' US$50 departure tax is already in the fare. Fares are volatile, so treat these as a guide, not a quote.
Tips for the journey
- Seaplanes fly in daylight only, so check your landing time against your resort's transfer cut-off. Arriving in the evening? Pick a resort reached by speedboat from the airport, or plan a night in Malé.
- November is the sweet spot: fares from India bottom out just as the dry season settles in. Diwali falls on 8 November 2026, so the week around it is busier from India than the rest of the month.
- Indian passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival. The one form to file is the free IMUGA Traveller Declaration, in the 96 hours before you land.
Every international flight lands at Velana International Airport in Malé. From there it is a speedboat, a seaplane or a domestic flight to your resort — and seaplanes fly in daylight only, so a late arrival can mean a night near the airport. How transfers work →
Frequently asked questions
Schedules and fares checked 13 October 2026. Airlines change winter and summer timetables — confirm with the airline before booking.
The 3 best deals for travellers from Chennai
The three biggest savings on our Maldives deals page. Each card shows the transfer from Malé — seaplanes fly in daylight only, so match it to your arrival time.
Save 65% off 5 nights in the Beach Villa with Breakfast daily — $1,529 for two including Maldives Green Tax, travelling 1 Apr – 31 Oct 2027.
Save 55% off 5 nights in the Sunrise Beach Villa with Breakfast daily — $4,804 for two including Maldives Green Tax, travelling 24 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027.
Save 54% off 5 nights in a Sky Studio with All-Inclusive.
Flights sorted — now the resort
Compare them side by side — villas, reef, the transfer from Malé and price — and filter for honeymoons, families, all-inclusive or the best reefs.
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