Flying from Colombo to Velana International Airport (MLE): What you need to know
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is Colombo's main airport. Check out your options for reserving a flight from Colombo to Velana International Airport (MLE) departing from here.
Malé is 30 minutes behind Colombo. Velana International Airport is located in Malé, which operates on the UTC+5 timezone.
Arriving two hours before an international flight and one hour ahead of a domestic departure are travel rules to live by. Get to the airport on time to board your flight from Colombo to MLE.
Heading off during a peak time like school or public holidays? Expect longer lines at security and check-in. To give yourself peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
RML is around 16 kilometres from central Colombo. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 40 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the journey time to be around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Colombo to Velana International Airport? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and get some bonus sleep) by choosing one of these stays near Colombo Ratmalana Airport:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Consider starting your journey from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). You can book a direct Colombo to Velana International Airport (MLE) plane ticket with departures from here.
There are numerous airlines that operate direct flights from Colombo to MLE. Here's a list of carriers flying nonstop to your destination from CMB:
On the CMB to MLE route, SriLankan Airlines is the go-to airline for most travellers.
Flights between Bandaranaike International Airport and Velana International Airport tend to arrive on time more often with SriLankan Airlines compared to other carriers.
You can get to CMB from central Colombo in about 40 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The ride on public transport takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to travel the 32 kilometres or so.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before your Colombo to MLE flight? Unwind in a hotel near Bandaranaike International Airport before your trip officially starts. These stays are calling your name:
Looking at how often flights stay on schedule, Bandaranaike International Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 75.71%.
About Velana International Airport (MLE)
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Colombo to Velana International Airport. Check in to one of these accommodation options near MLE instead:
How to find the cheapest flights from Colombo to Velana International Airport (MLE)
R 1,589 is currently the best price for a one-way ticket from Colombo to Velana International Airport. A return flight starts from R 4,183. These fares may change based on availability and demand.
To score cheap flights from Colombo to MLE, book your plane ticket two months ahead of your planned departure.
The best month for finding cheap Colombo to Velana International Airport tickets is July. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then choose the dates that offer the lowest fares.
Locking in a cheap plane ticket from Colombo to MLE couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when there's a price drop.
Tailor your flights using filters. Choose your arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Colombo to Velana International Airport.
The best time to fly from Colombo to Velana International Airport (MLE)
April is the quietest month for flights from Colombo to Velana International Airport (MLE), while August is the most popular. Choose the ideal time to visit Malé based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
Before locking in your Colombo to MLE plane ticket, consider the type of weather you enjoy. May is the warmest month in Malé, with temperatures ranging from 26ºC (79ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
January has temperatures of between 25ºC (77ºF) and 28ºC (82ºF). Search for cheap tickets from Colombo to Velana International Airport around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Malé
Once you've booked your flight from Colombo to Velana International Airport, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these options your base for exploring Malé:
Your visit to Malé should come with a bit of sightseeing. Highlights you can't miss include Diving, Malé Beach and Dive The World Maldives.
Explore more of the Maldives
Malé has its own special appeal, but there are so many other parts of the Maldives waiting to be explored. Around 225 kilometres north of Malé, a visit to Funadhoo will keep you busy. Check out popular attractions like Butterfly park, Children's Park and Hathareskan Vaa.
If you're ready to explore another side of the Maldives, consider Kudahuvadhoo, about 177 kilometres south of Malé. Kudahuvadhoo, Masjid Al-Siddiq and Baahukuru Miskiyy are key highlights.