Maldives airports · live intelligence
Villa International Airport (VAM)
South Ari Atoll.
Maamigili · South Ari Atoll
Villa International Airport on Maamigili island is a key domestic gateway for South Ari Atoll, including popular whale-shark and dive itineraries. It connects MLE with resorts and guesthouses in South Ari Atoll.
Live FIS data · atoll resorts · transfer guidance
At a glance
Villa International Airport
International-capable regional airport
ICAO
VRMV
Operator
Villa Shipping and Trading Company Pvt. Ltd
Location
Maamigili island, South Ari Atoll (Alifu Dhaalu)
Timezone
UTC+5 (Maldives Time)
Elevation (approx.)
2 m AMSL
Coordinates (ARP)
3.471°N, 72.845°E
Runway (approx.)
1,800 m
Typical MLE flight time
about 25–30 min
Distance from Velana (approx.)
110 km
Common operators
Maldivian · FlyMe (Villa Air) · Manta Air
- Also known as Villa International Airport Maamigili — key hub for South Ari Atoll guesthouses, liveaboards, and resorts.
- Operated by the Villa group; FlyMe (Villa Air) maintains a strong presence here alongside Maldivian and Manta Air.
- Supports domestic flights and limited international / general-aviation traffic.
- Popular access point for whale-shark and dive itineraries in South Ari — typical MLE block time about 25–30 minutes.
South Ari Atoll is one of the Maldives' highest-density resort atolls, with extensive guesthouse and liveaboard traffic through Maamigili.
Seaplane alternative
Several South Ari properties use seaplane from Velana instead of VAM + boat — routing is property-specific.
Reference data verified against public airport sources (2026). Live schedules on this page override typical timings.
Location
Villa International Airport on the map
3.471°N, 72.845°E
Elevation about 2 m above mean sea level
About 110 km from Velana (MLE) as the crow flies — domestic block times are typically longer.
View on mapLive schedule
Today's MLE ↔ VAM flights
| Time | Flight | Airline | Route | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00 | VP 601 | Villa Air | VAM → MLE | On Time |
| 11:30 | VP 606 | Villa Air | MLE → VAM | On Time |
| 16:30 | VP 609 | Villa Air | VAM → MLE | On Time |
| 17:00 | VP 610 | Villa Air | MLE → VAM | On Time |
Resort connections
South Ari Atoll resorts connected through Villa Airport Maamigili
Villa Park, Maldives
South Ari Atoll
~5 km from airport
Transfer: Domestic Flight
4.7
LUX South Ari Atoll
South Ari Atoll
~6 km from airport
Transfer: Seaplane
4.8
Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives
South Ari Atoll (Alif Dhaal)
~10 km from airport
Transfer: Seaplane
4.8
The Centara Collection, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives
South Ari Atoll
~14 km from airport
Transfer: Seaplane
4.8
Nova Maldives
South Ari Atoll
~14 km from airport
Transfer: Seaplane
4.8
NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort
South Ari Atoll
~14 km from airport
Transfer: Seaplane
4.5
Radisson Blu Resort, Maldives
~16 km from airport
4.5
OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru
South Ari Atoll
~17 km from airport
Transfer: Seaplane
4.8
Planning
Transfer guide
International guests usually arrive first at Velana International Airport (MLE).
They then commonly connect by domestic flight to Villa International Airport (VAM) — the domestic gateway for South Ari Atoll.
Resort transfer may continue by speedboat depending on the property and island location.
Confirm final transfer arrangements with your resort or travel agent. Schedules vary by day and are subject to weather.
Atoll context
South Ari Atoll
The whale shark capital of the Maldives, anchored by SAMPA and iconic luxury resorts.
Explore South Ari AtollExplore further
Related links
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Which resorts use Maamigili Airport (VAM)?
Villa International Airport Maamigili (VAM) is the domestic hub for South Ari Atoll. Several resorts and guesthouses in the atoll are commonly reached via MLE → VAM plus boat transfer.
Is Maamigili Airport in South Ari Atoll?
Yes. The airport is on Maamigili island in South Ari Atoll (IATA: VAM).
Are there flights from Malé to Maamigili today?
MLE ↔ VAM domestic schedules vary by day. Check the live strip on this page or the full domestic board at /maldives-domestic-flights.
How do guests reach South Ari resorts from Velana?
Options include seaplane direct from MLE or domestic flight to VAM followed by speedboat. Your resort confirmation will specify the standard routing.
Is VAM the same as Maamigili airport?
Yes. VAM is the IATA code for Villa International Airport on Maamigili.
How long is the flight from Malé to Maamigili?
Typical scheduled block time is about 25–30 minutes MLE → VAM. FlyMe (Villa Air), Maldivian, and Manta Air have all served the route — confirm today's live schedule on this page.
For travel trade
Travel agents & partners
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