Flying from Velana International Airport (MLE) to Almaty Airport (ALA): what you need to know
The timezone in Almaty is UTC+6, which is one hour ahead of Malé.
Get to the airport on time so you don't miss your MLE to ALA flight. Be there at least two hours ahead for international flights and an hour early for domestic departures to avoid the stress of rushing.
Be prepared for longer queues during popular months such as January. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for domestic departures will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
If you'd like to explore another city along the way, simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for your ticket from Velana International Airport to Almaty Airport. Here are the top stopovers between MLE and ALA:
Dubai Airport
Hamad International Airport
Abu Dhabi International Airport
How to find the cheapest flights from Velana International Airport (MLE) to Almaty Airport (ALA)
R 5,335 is currently the lowest price for a one-way Velana International Airport to Almaty Airport flight. A return flight starts at R 10,742. These fares can change depending on availability.
It's a good idea to book ahead of time if you're hoping to get cheap tickets from MLE to ALA. That's because flight prices are based on demand, which tends to increase closer to the date of departure.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest flights from Velana International Airport to Almaty Airport across the month. It's a good way to snap up a bargain if your dates are flexible.
Save time looking for cheap flights from MLE to ALA by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification through the app when a lower fare pops up.
Lock in the right flight for you by using the filters. To see the 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Velana International Airport to Almaty Airport, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter by airline, arrival and departure times, and journey duration.
Handy information about Velana International Airport (MLE)
Of all flights departing from Velana International Airport, 77.73% arrive on time at their destination.
To reach Velana International Airport from central Malé, it'll take around 15 minutes if you're going by car. This depends on traffic though. It's approximately 5 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Booked an early flight from Velana International Airport to Almaty Airport? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by picking one of these hotels near MLE:
Arriving at Almaty Airport (ALA)
Reserve a hotel near ALA if you're taking a late Velana International Airport to Almaty Airport flight. Pick one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Go wherever you want, whenever you want with an Almaty Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from AmiGo!, Hertz or Vladex and see more of Almaty and beyond.
Booking your ride from Almaty Airport around two weeks ahead can help you secure the lowest rate.
Getting from Almaty Airport (ALA) to central Almaty
Almaty Airport is approximately 24 kilometres from the centre of Almaty. The drive time takes around 35 minutes.
When to fly to Almaty Airport (ALA)
The quietest month for a flight from Velana International Airport to Almaty Airport is February, while July is the most popular. Choose the ideal time to go to Almaty based on whether you prefer a more fast-paced or easygoing experience.
When reserving your flight from Velana International Airport to Almaty Airport, think about the type of weather you like. July is the warmest month in Almaty, with the temperature ranging from 12ºC (54ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF).
If you want cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from MLE to ALA in January. Average temperatures are between -16ºC (3ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF) then.
Explore more of Kazakhstan
Sarkand is just one of the many cities in Kazakhstan waiting to be discovered once you've taken in the sights of Almaty. Around 338 kilometres away to the north-east, well-known attractions include Park Zhastar, Dom Slavy and Park.
Talghar is another essential stop in Kazakhstan and is around 32 kilometres east of Almaty. No journey is complete without visiting Park Imeni T.ryskulova, Ancient Town Talgar and Mini-Bayterek.