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Maldivian

The national airline of the Maldives, with domestic, seaplane and regional flights

  • MaldivesCountry
  • Q2IATA Code
  • DQAICAO Code
  • IndependentAlliance
  • RegionalAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Maldivian

Maldivian is the national airline of the Maldives, flying domestic flights, seaplane transfers and regional routes from Malé. Cabin baggage is limited to 5–7 kg, and checked allowances are 20 kg on domestic flights and 30 kg on most international routes. This guide covers power bank rules, check-in at Malé, resort transfers and how it compares with SriLankan Airlines and IndiGo.

The airline is run by Island Aviation Services, a state-owned company founded in 2000. It flies Dash 8 turboprops to domestic airports, Twin Otter seaplanes to resorts and Airbus jets on regional routes.

Maldivian flights to Malé
Photo: Hoodh Ahmed / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on Maldivian

Maldivian follows the ICAO power bank rules in force worldwide since 27 March 2026:

  • Carry power banks in cabin baggage only, never in checked bags.
  • Up to 100 Wh is allowed without approval; 100–160 Wh needs approval from the airline.
  • A maximum of two power banks per passenger, kept within reach; no charging them, or devices from them, during the flight.

Check-In at Malé

Domestic and seaplane flights use separate terminals at Velana International Airport. Resorts usually meet you on arrival and take you to the right terminal. Arrive at least two hours before international flights.

Seaplanes only fly in daylight, so late international arrivals may need to stay a night near Malé.

Families and Special Assistance

Infants under two travel on an adult’s lap. Seaplanes and small aircraft board by steps or from a floating platform, so request help in advance if you need it.

Resort Transfers and Seaplanes

Getting to your resort is part of the trip:

  • Seaplanes land on lagoons next to the resorts, with stunning views on the way.
  • Domestic flights reach distant atolls, followed by a speedboat ride.
  • Soft bags are easier to load on small aircraft.

Transfers can cost several hundred US dollars per person, so check the price when choosing a resort.

How to Find Cheap Maldivian Flights

Cheap Maldivian flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Compare domestic flights and speedboats for nearby resorts.
  • Book regional flights to India early.
  • Travel outside Christmas and Easter, the busiest seasons.
  • Pack light to avoid excess baggage charges on small aircraft.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see its fares next to SriLankan Airlines, IndiGo and others.

Maldivian vs SriLankan Airlines vs IndiGo

Three airlines on regional routes to and from Malé.

MaldivianSriLankan AirlinesIndiGo
HubMaléColomboDelhi and Mumbai
TypeRegional and seaplaneFull-serviceLow-cost
Domestic Maldives flightsYesNoNo
AllianceNoneoneworldNone

See our SriLankan Airlines guide and IndiGo guide to compare.

Arriving in Malé

Velana International Airport is on its own island next to Malé. A bridge links it with the capital and Hulhumalé, and taxis and buses make the short trip.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Maldivian a Good Airline?

Yes. It is essential for reaching many resorts and outer atolls, and its seaplane flights are a highlight of a Maldives holiday, though baggage limits are strict.

For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against Alternative Airlines’ airline profile. Rules change, so check the official website before you travel.

Airline Partnerships

The airline is not a member of a global airline alliance.

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

It connects international arrivals at Malé with domestic airports and resorts across the Maldives.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Velana International Airport (MLE) on Hulhulé Island next to Malé is the hub for all flights.

Popular Maldivian Routes

The busiest routes link Malé with domestic airports such as Gan and Kaadedhdhoo, plus Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai and Dhaka. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Maldivian Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Change and refund rules depend on the fare you buy and are shown when you book. Resort transfers are often booked through your hotel.

When you change a booking, you usually pay a change fee plus any fare difference.

  • Changes Fee plus any fare difference, by fare.
  • Resort transfers Changes through your resort.
  • Refunds Depend on the fare rules.
  • How to change Contact the airline or your resort.

Maldivian Seat Selection & Additional Services

Drinks and snacks are served on most flights. Seaplane and domestic flights have limited seating, so check-in may assign seats to balance the aircraft.

Extra baggage on small aircraft depends on space.

  • Snacks Served on most flights.
  • Seats May be assigned for weight balance.
  • Extra baggage Subject to space on small aircraft.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.

Maldivian Baggage Allowance

Cabin baggage is limited to 5 kg on Dash 8 flights and 7 kg on Airbus flights.

Checked baggage is 20 kg on domestic flights and to Thiruvananthapuram, and 30 kg on flights to Chennai, Dhaka and other international routes. Seaplane allowances are usually lower and set by your resort transfer.

  • Cabin bag (Dash 8) Up to 5 kg.
  • Cabin bag (Airbus) Up to 7 kg.
  • Domestic and Thiruvananthapuram 20 kg checked.
  • Chennai, Dhaka and other international routes 30 kg checked.
  • Seaplanes Lower limits, set by your transfer.

Maldivian Loyalty Programme

Maldivian does not run a frequent flyer programme. Resort transfers are usually booked through your resort, which handles the timing and baggage.

  • Programme None.
  • Resort transfers Usually arranged through your resort.

Maldivian: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Maldivian’s IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is Q2. It appears in flight numbers (for example Q2 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is DQA, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is Maldivian part of?

It is not a member of a global airline alliance, although it may still have codeshare or interline agreements with individual airlines.

03Where is Maldivian headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Malé, Maldives.

04When was Maldivian founded?

The airline was founded in 2000.

05What are Maldivian’s main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Malé (MLE) – Main Hub.

06What is the Maldivian baggage allowance?

5 kg cabin baggage on Dash 8s or 7 kg on Airbus jets, plus 20 kg checked on domestic flights and 30 kg on most international flights.

07Does Maldivian operate seaplanes?

Yes. It is the only airline in the Maldives that flies both seaplanes and land-based aircraft.

08How do I book a resort transfer?

Most resorts arrange domestic flights or seaplane transfers for you, so book through your hotel.

09Where does Maldivian fly internationally?

To India (Thiruvananthapuram and Chennai), Bangladesh (Dhaka) and a few other regional cities.

10Can I use a power bank on Maldivian?

On Maldivian you can carry up to two power banks in cabin baggage (up to 100 Wh without approval, 100–160 Wh with approval), but you cannot charge them, or charge devices from them, during the flight. They are never allowed in checked bags.

Maldivian, its logo and trademarks are the property of Island Aviation Services Limited and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Maldivian unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.