August 13, 2026 — 5:00amThe airportVelana International Airport, Male (MLE), the Maldives.Velana International Airport, Male.Chris ChamberlinThe flightMaldivian Q2-956 from Male to Melbourne (Luxury Escapes charter).The arrivalSign up for the Traveller newsletterThe latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.Forget the typical airport taxi. From the Maldives’ island resorts, you’ll be ferried to the airport by seaplane or speedboat. I make the most of a 5pm late check-out at Anantara Veli Resort, a perk gained by booking this hotel and flight together as a Luxury Escapes bundle. A 5.30pm speedboat departure has me strolling into the airport at 6pm with plenty of time to spare. Be sure to book your transfer in advance – you can’t exactly order an Uber if you miss the boat.The lookFinally, the Maldives has an airport to match the calibre of its five-star resorts. The previous tin shed now exclusively serves domestic flights, while all international departures get this shiny new building (Terminal 1). High ceilings and artful wave patterns, echoed across the walls, floors and ceiling, create a great sense of space and location.Check-inWave patterns feature across the walls, floors and ceiling at Velana International Airport.Chris ChamberlinProminent “Luxury Escapes” signage makes Maldivian’s check-in counters easy to locate. With several desks open for this single flight to Melbourne, I’m rid of my checked bag within five minutes. Queues for other airlines are also noticeably short, even in the economy lines.SecurityThere’s a fast-track passport line for business class, but on this quiet Sunday night, there isn’t a lengthy queue to side-step, anyway. Security is simple and swift, although as I begin unloading a sea of electronics into the trays, I suggest that those behind me might find things speedier in another lane. My advice is heeded, and it’s a good call: they’re into duty-free as I’m still repacking. A secondary security check at the boarding gate is more chaotic, with a snaking long line creating a bottleneck. This step is an Australian government requirement – if only they’d thought to provide a fast-track lane here where it would be of most use. The shemozzle delays our flight as travellers haven’t been warned to arrive at the gate early.Food + drinkFood and drink options at the airport are somewhat limited.Chris ChamberlinKFC is doing a roaring trade, although Palm n Spice next door – curiously selling chicken wraps next to the toughest possible neighbour – is much quieter. Gloria Jean’s is similarly bustling, no doubt aided by its central location. Meanwhile, Costa Coffee is much quieter, tucked away near the boarding gate for Melbourne. There’s enough here to cure hunger, but nothing worthy of an early arrival. As alcohol consumption is banned in Male (permitted only at the Maldives’ many resorts), there’s understandably no airport bar.Retail therapyDuty-free is like a spacious, high-end department store. I skip the luxury goods in favour of a budget-friendly fridge magnet and a box of savoury Maldivian biscuits. I also eschew the duty-free liquor – it’s more expensive than buying on arrival in Melbourne. A one-litre bottle of The Botanist gin is $US60 (about $85), but $83.99 at Melbourne Airport. Veuve La Grande Dame is $US283 ($401.50), but $269 in Melbourne. Evidently, duty-free isn’t always a bargain.Passing timeSeating provides access to power and free Wi-Fi.Chris ChamberlinMany seats provide easy access to power, and there’s free terminal-wide Wi-Fi, but it’s slow (speeds below 3Mbps). While walking, a swing set catches my eye. A bored barista spots me taking selfies and appoints himself as my photographer – offer accepted. For eligible passengers, there’s one airside lounge shared between all premium airlines. It’s a peaceful and inviting space, and included for those flying business class to Melbourne on the Luxury Escapes/Maldivian flight. But as with the flight, beverage choices are all non-alcoholic.The verdictMale’s new terminal brings a night-and-day difference to its previous tin shed. It’s a beautiful building, but there’s little to do once you’ve passed through security. Take full advantage of any late hotel check-out. There’s no need to be here three hours before departure.Melbourne-based journalist and columnist Chris Chamberlin enjoys maximising his points to travel the world in comfort and, as a points coach, helping others to do the same. From showering on a plane to stretching out in a double bed in the sky, Chris knows all the tips for flying in style without breaking the bank. His adventures have taken him on almost 1000 flights aboard more than 80 airlines, earning lifetime frequent flyer status along the way. Follow him on Instagram @chris_chamberlin.Connect via email.From our partners