A nonstop flight from Delhi to the Maldives takes about four hours, on Air India's daily service to Malé (MLE). The cheapest fares are often one-stop instead, on IndiGo via Mumbai or Bengaluru or SriLankan via Colombo, and the Maldives runs just thirty minutes behind IST, so there is no jet lag to speak of.
- Fastest
- about 4 h
- Nonstop
- Yes — Air India, daily
- Fares
- from about ₹30,000 return
- Airports
- DEL
Direct flights from Delhi
Air India flies Delhi–Malé nonstop every day, in about four hours. It is the only nonstop from northern India: the other Indian nonstops leave from Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and, in winter, Hyderabad. Schedules on these routes change with every season, so check the airline before you fix your dates.
Flight options from Delhi
| Airline | Route | Typical journey | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air India | nonstop | about 4 h | Daily |
| IndiGo | via Mumbai or Bengaluru | about 7 h | Often the cheapest fare; connects onto IndiGo's own nonstops to Malé |
| SriLankan Airlines | via Colombo | varies with the connection | Sometimes the cheapest fare, but connections in Colombo often take 9 hours or more |
Fares and when to book
Return economy from Delhi usually runs ₹30,000–₹48,000, depending on the season (Google Flights observed ranges, September 2026). Fares are lowest in November and highest in July and August. 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. If your flight lands late in the day, choose 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 Delhi
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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