10 of the Best Airlines to Fly to the Maldives in 2025

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Looking to plan a dreamy escape to the Maldives in 2025? 🏝️ With its turquoise waters, overwater bungalows, and world-class diving spots, the Maldives is every traveler’s paradise. But with so many airlines offering routes to this island nation, choosing the best one can make all the difference.

After years of exploring top airlines and planning seamless travel experiences, I’ve handpicked 10 of the best airlines that can take you to the Maldives in style. From luxurious in-flight amenities to top-notch service, these airlines don’t just get you to your destination—they elevate your journey. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate comfort in first class, a solid economy experience, or anything in between, these airlines have you covered for your Maldivian getaway.

Let’s dive into the top 10 airlines to fly to the Maldives in 2025 and find the perfect flight to kickstart your island adventure!

Quick tip on how to find cheap flights to Maldives

Looking for cheap flights to the Maldives right now? Before diving into all the airlines that fly to the Maldives, I first want to share a quick tip on how to save money on airfare.

For the past three years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to get amazing flight deals. All you have to do is enter your home airport and where you want to go, and from there, they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals. And the coolest part? It’s 100% FREE! In 2024, I saved thousands of dollars from their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $917 roundtrip fare from Boston to the Maldives.

There’s a free and a premium version – the free one has pretty much everything you’ll need. Though if you’re like me and travel a lot every year, it’s worth upgrading to the paid version for $49 per year. In my experience, you’ll get your money back after finding just one discounted flight! As such, I recommend signing up for the free trial (you can cancel at any time) to try it for yourself. And if you like it, be sure to use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!

Now without further ado, here are the best Maldives flights in 2025.

1. 🇦🇪 Emirates

• 🏠 Hub: Dubai International Airport (DXB)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Emirates Skywards – independent (partners with JetBlue, Alaska)
• ☕ Perks: Excellent connections to Malé, free Dubai stopover, A380 luxury
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Use Emirates Skywards miles to upgrade from Economy to Business on Malé routes. Redemption rates are often lower than expected, especially during off-peak months.

Emirates dominates the Maldives routes with multiple daily flights to Malé (MLE). The airline’s massive global network means you can depart from practically any major city and reach the Maldives with just one smooth connection through Dubai (DXB). This pretty much makes Emirates one of the most convenient options for reaching those picture-perfect beaches.

The experience onboard feels elevated from the start. Emirates flies both A380s and Boeing 777s depending on the route and season, with Economy offering more legroom, great meals, and top-notch inflight entertainment. Meanwhile on newer 777s, Premium Economy gives you extra comfort without jumping to Business Class pricing.

What makes Emirates especially good for Maldives trips is the scheduling. The airline offers both morning and evening arrivals into Malé, allowing you to maximize your first day at the resort. A generous baggage allowance means bringing all your snorkeling gear and beach outfits is no problem, with even Economy passengers getting 66lbs.

Emirates’ Business Class makes perfect sense for a luxury destination like the Maldives. You’ll arrive rested and ready to enjoy your first day after sleeping in a fully-flat bed, enjoying multi-course dining, and maybe even visiting the famous onboard bar on A380 flights. Emirates has partnerships with many Maldivian resorts, offering perks like priority transfers or room upgrades when you show your boarding pass at check-in.

• Read next: Picture-Perfect Places in Dubai
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• For more reading: Affordable Asian Destinations

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2. 🇶🇦 Qatar Airways

• 🏠 Hub: Hamad International Airport (DOH)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy (Excellence), Business (Qsuite), First
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Privilege Club (Avios) – part of Oneworld
• ☕ Perks: Award-winning business class, excellent connections, luxury amenities
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book Qsuites in odd-numbered rows for the true window seats with more privacy and storage space

Qatar Airways might just be the most luxurious way to fly to paradise. Flights to the Maldives have become legendary among travelers, and for good reason. From Doha to Malé, you’ll be pampered aboard their sleek Boeing 777s and A350s, which feel more like flying hotels than planes. Seriously.

The crown jewel in Qatar’s offering has to be the Qsuite Business Class. Picture this: your own private room in the sky with a door you can actually close, a seat that transforms into a fully flat bed, and if you’re traveling with friends or family, the middle seats can convert into a shared space or even a double bed. They’ve even recently rolled out the Qsuite Next Gen on some routes with incredible 4K screens that make movie watching in the air actually enjoyable.

Qatar makes reaching the Maldives super easy with their global network. No matter where you’re starting from, chances are you can connect through their gorgeous Doha hub. Their Privilege Club rewards program lets you earn and spend Avios points, which you can collect from credit cards or partner airlines. 

Want to maximize your journey? Break up your trip with their free stopover program in Doha. You can explore the futuristic city, enjoy desert adventures, and rest up before continuing to the Maldives. Plus, the Al Safwa First Class Lounge in Doha is practically a five star hotel itself, complete with private rooms if you have a long layover. 

3. 🇺🇸 Delta Airlines

• 🏠 Hub: Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), plus Detroit, Minneapolis, New York JFK
• ✈️ Cabin Options: Main Cabin, Comfort+, Premium Select, Delta One
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: SkyMiles, part of SkyTeam alliance
• ☕ Perks: Free Wi-Fi, excellent inflight entertainment, reliable operations
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Use SkyMiles for partner flights on Air France and KLM to reach the Maldives

Delta doesn’t fly directly to the Maldives, but they’ve become a fantastic option for getting there thanks to their expanded partnerships with Middle Eastern carriers. You’ll fly Delta’s excellent service to Dubai or Doha, then connect on Emirates or Qatar for the final leg to Malé.

The beauty of this setup is you get to experience Delta’s brand new Delta One Suites on the longest part of your journey, the transpacific or transatlantic segment. These private pods with sliding doors give you serious privacy, memory foam cushions that actually support your back, and bedding from Westin Hotels that lets you actually sleep. Plus, their new plane interiors smell like they were installed yesterday, not a decade ago.

Delta’s lounges have seriously upped their game too. The Delta Sky Clubs in Atlanta and JFK now feature shower suites, à la carte dining, and craft cocktail bars that make the pre-flight experience almost enjoyable. Grab a proper meal, take a shower, then board refreshed for the long journey to paradise.

The real win is for SkyMiles members. Delta’s partnership adjustments mean you can earn and redeem miles across the entire journey, even on partner airlines. And the Delta mobile app makes tracking the whole trip super simple, with real-time updates and the ability to make changes on the fly.

• Read next: Cheap Flights from Atlanta
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• For more reading: Breathtaking Places to Visit in Los Angeles
• Keep reading: Beautiful Places in The Maldives

4. 🇸🇬 Singapore Airlines

• 🏠 Hub: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First, Suites
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: KrisFlyer – part of Star Alliance
• ☕ Perks: World-class service, incredible food, Singapore stopover options
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Use United MileagePlus points to book Singapore Airlines flights to the Maldives. You’ll often save 20-30% compared to using competitor miles for the exact same seats.

Singapore Airlines brings a touch of Asian luxury to your Maldives journey that sets the perfect tone for paradise. Flying through Singapore to reach Malé feels less like transit and more like a preview of the exceptional service awaiting you at your resort. Their connections are perfectly timed for arrivals from North America, Europe, and Australia, minimizing layover time.

What really distinguishes Singapore’s Maldives routes is the food. Forget typical airline meals, we’re talking restaurant-quality cuisine even in Economy. In fact, Singapore’s Book the Cook service for premium cabins lets you pre-order from dozens of dishes not available on the regular menu. 

The aircraft flying to the Maldives are among the newest in their fleet. Many routes feature the latest A350s with better cabin pressure and humidity levels that significantly reduce jet lag, which is pretty crucial for maximizing your precious vacation days. Business Class seats are ridiculously wide and convert to fully-flat beds with actual mattress toppers, not just a blanket thrown over a hard seat. Even Economy has decent legroom here.

For real value-hunters, Singapore’s famous Changi Airport stopover program is a winner. Spend 1-3 days exploring Singapore on your way to the Maldives for minimal additional cost. You basically get two vacations for roughly the price of one.

5. 🇦🇪 Etihad Airways

• 🏠 Hub: Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Space, Business, First, The Residence (select A380s)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Etihad Guest – independent (partners with American Airlines)
• ☕ Perks: Abu Dhabi stopover, wellness-focused service, luxury ground experience
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Join the free Etihad Guest program before booking – members get free seat selection and extra baggage allowance even on basic economy tickets to the Maldives

Etihad offers a distinctly different Middle Eastern route to the Maldives that’s worth considering. Flights connect through Abu Dhabi, which is typically less crowded than Dubai or Doha, making for a more relaxed journey to paradise. The airline flies daily to Malé with perfectly timed connections from Europe, Asia, and North America.

What sets Etihad apart is their wellness-focused approach to long-haul travel. Their Wellness in the Sky program includes specially designed lighting sequences to combat jet lag, healthy menu options created by nutritionists, and cabin air that’s refreshed more frequently than industry standards. You’ll actually arrive at your Maldivian resort feeling human instead of zombie-like.

The premium cabins truly shine on Maldives routes. Business Studios feature direct aisle access for every passenger and seats that convert to fully-flat beds. First Class takes luxury up several notches with private suites, dedicated food and beverage managers, and turndown service with premium bedding. If you’re on an A380 route, you might even experience the legendary Residence, which is the only three-room suite in commercial aviation.

Etihad’s stopover program offers excellent value for Maldives travelers. For minimal cost, you can add 2-3 days in Abu Dhabi, exploring the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Ferrari World, and the emerging cultural scene on Saadiyat Island. 

6. 🇬🇧 British Airways

• 🏠 Hub: London Heathrow (LHR)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus), Business (Club World), First
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Executive Club (Avios) – part of Oneworld
• ☕ Perks: London stopover options, extensive US/Europe connections, excellent reward availability
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book the right-hand window seats in Club Suite (odd-numbered A or K seats) for the best views and most privacy on your way to paradise

British Airways has seriously upped their Maldives game recently. They’ve upgraded their London-Malé route to feature their newest 787 Dreamliners, making the journey much more comfortable with better air quality and those awesome dimmable windows. With flights from pretty much everywhere connecting through Heathrow, you can reach the Maldives with just one stop from most major cities.

The real game-changer has been their new Club Suite business class. Gone are the days of BA’s old backward-facing seats where you’d awkwardly make eye contact with strangers. These new suites come with privacy doors, tons of storage space, and lie-flat beds with actual comfortable bedding from The White Company. The 1-2-1 layout means no more climbing over sleeping passengers to reach the bathroom.

On a budget? BA’s World Traveller Plus cabin hits that sweet spot between comfort and value. You get wider seats with decent recline, footrests that actually support your legs (not those useless little flaps), and much better food than Economy. 

The London connection is actually a bonus rather than a hassle. Tack on a day or two in one of the world’s greatest cities before continuing to beach paradise. For Avios collectors, they frequently run transfer bonuses from credit card partners too, making your points stretch further toward that dream Maldives vacation. 

7. 🇹🇷 Turkish Airlines

• 🏠 Hub: Istanbul Airport (IST)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Business
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Miles&Smiles – part of Star Alliance
• ☕ Perks: Istanbul stopover program, incredible catering, extensive global network
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their free stopover package which includes hotel accommodation and a guided tour of Istanbul, essentially getting two vacations for the price of one

Turkish Airlines might not be the first name that pops into your head for Maldives trips, but it absolutely should be. These folks have quietly built an incredible route network through Istanbul that can get you to Malé from just about anywhere on the planet.

The food situation? Next level. They’ve got actual chefs in tall white hats preparing meals in the Business Class cabin. Even back in Economy, passengers enjoy multi-course meals that make other airlines’ offerings look like sad cafeteria food. Their lamb dishes and Turkish mezze platters consistently win awards and receive glowing reviews from travelers and food critics alike.

For that perfect balance between luxury and not emptying your bank account, there’s Business Class. The seats fold flat, the bedding is plush, and you get these fancy Versace amenity kits that people actually keep afterward. Also, the new planes have these gorgeous cabin designs with this subtle Turkish aesthetic that feels warm rather than corporate.

The best part might be the Istanbul connection. Turkish gives you a free hotel and city tour if you have a long layover. So you spend a day exploring this incredible city where Europe literally meets Asia, checking out the Grand Bazaar and Blue Mosque, then continue on to your beach paradise the next day.

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8. 🇭🇰 Cathay Pacific

• 🏠 Hub: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Cathay – part of Oneworld
• ☕ Perks: Asian hospitality, excellent connections, redesigned cabins
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their midnight departure from Hong Kong to Malé to arrive at your resort in the morning, perfectly timed to check in without wasting a vacation day

Cathay Pacific is the quiet achiever of Maldives routes, less flashy than Middle Eastern carriers but delivering a Premium experience with zero unnecessary drama. From their Hong Kong hub, you get the perfect halfway point for reaching Malé, especially if you’re from the United States, Australia, or northern Asia.

What sets Cathay apart is their distinctly minimalist approach to luxury. While other airlines plaster everything in gold or excessive branding, Cathay embraces clean aesthetics and functional design that feels peaceful rather than shouting for attention. Besides, the aircraft interiors feature natural woods, soft lighting, and thoughtful storage that actually fits your stuff.

The Business Class seats are arranged in this clever herringbone pattern that gives everyone aisle access without awkward face-to-face encounters with strangers. The beds lie completely flat with these jade-green mattress pads that somehow manage to be both soft and supportive. Their pillows are actually sized for adults rather than toddlers, and the duvets don’t feel like scratchy hotel rejects.

Hong Kong’s connection experience feels refreshingly civilized. The Pier lounge is basically a luxury apartment with designated zones for everything, like eating areas with made-to-order noodles, quiet relaxation spaces with day beds, and shower suites that rival upscale hotels. 

9. 🇱🇰 SriLankan Airlines

• 🏠 Hub: Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo (CMB)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Business
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: FlySmiLes – part of Oneworld
• ☕ Perks: Shortest flying time to Malé, multiple daily flights, regional knowledge
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their new A320neo flights featuring upgraded business class with fully flat beds, a significant improvement over their older aircraft

SriLankan Airlines might just be the ultimate insider secret for Maldives trips. While everyone else is flying halfway around the world with lengthy connections, these folks will zip you from Colombo to Malé in just 70-90 minutes. That’s basically the same time as watching an episode of your favorite show, and suddenly you’re in paradise.

The proximity means they run several flights daily, so you’re never stuck with that one inconvenient departure time that ruins your first vacation day. If weather delays your seaplane transfer (which happens more often than resorts admit), you have multiple backup options instead of being stranded for 24 hours until the next big international flight arrives.

The crew on these routes know the Maldives inside out. Not in that corporate “we’ve been trained about our destination” way, but genuine local knowledge. They’ll tell you which side of the plane to sit on for the best aerial views, which resorts have the best house reefs for snorkeling, and when the whale sharks typically appear near specific atolls.

Here the Business Class costs about half what you’d pay on Emirates or Qatar for the same destination. The newest A320neo planes feature proper lie-flat beds that actually fit people over six feet tall. The food leans heavily on Sri Lankan specialties like fragrant coconut curries and fresh tropical fruits that hint at the flavors awaiting you in the Maldives. 

• Read next: Beautiful Places in Sri Lanka

10. 🇴🇲 Oman Air

• 🏠 Hub: Muscat International Airport (MCT)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First (select routes)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Sindbad – independent (partners with Etihad Guest)
• ☕ Perks: Uncrowded Muscat hub, competitive pricing, excellent premium cabins
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book business class tickets during their quarterly sales when fares drop by up to 40%, often making them cheaper than other airlines’ premium economy

Oman Air might be the best-kept secret for Maldives trips in 2025. While everyone’s fighting for space on Emirates and Qatar, smart travelers are quietly enjoying some of the best Business Class seats in the sky for sometimes half the price.

The Apex Suites in Business Class are seriously underrated. If you snag a window seat, you get this little private pathway to your seat that makes it feel like your own mini-cabin. No awkward climbing over your neighbor’s legs to use the bathroom or that weird moment when you make eye contact with the stranger next to you while you’re both half-asleep.

In Economy, Oman Air delivers a surprisingly comfortable experience. Their seats offer more legroom than most competitors, adjustable headrests that actually stay in position, and individual screens with solid entertainment options. 

Connecting through Muscat is like finding an oasis in the desert of travel chaos. The airport is gorgeous without being over-the-top, security lines actually move, and you won’t need a map and hiking boots to reach your next gate. It feels like what air travel was supposed to be before it became a test of human endurance. 

• Read next: Must-See Places in Oman

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Airlines to Travel to the Maldives

In this section, we’ll answer common questions about choosing airlines to fly to the Maldives, aiding you in planning your ideal journey.

Which airlines fly to the Maldives?

The Maldives, with its stunning atolls and luxury resorts, is a popular destination for travelers from around the world. As a result, several airlines operate flights to the Maldives, specifically to Malé International Airport (also known as Velana International Airport), which is the main international gateway to the country. Here are some of the airlines that fly to the Maldives:

1. Maldivian – The national airline of the Maldives, operating domestic and international flights.
2. Emirates – Offers flights from Dubai to Malé.
3. Qatar Airways – Connects Doha with Malé.
4. Etihad Airways – Operates flights between Abu Dhabi and Malé.
5. Turkish Airlines – Connects Istanbul with Malé.
6. SriLankan Airlines – Offers flights from Colombo to Malé.
7. Air India – Connects several Indian cities with Malé.
8. SpiceJet – An Indian low-cost carrier with routes to Malé.
9. IndiGo – Another Indian low-cost airline with flights to Malé.
10. Singapore Airlines – Connects Singapore with Malé.
11. SilkAir (a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines) – Also operates flights between Singapore and Malé.
12. Cathay Pacific – Offers flights from Hong Kong to Malé.
13. China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and other Chinese carriers – Connect various Chinese cities with Malé.
14. Lufthansa – Operates seasonal flights between Frankfurt and Malé.
15. British Airways – Offers seasonal flights between London and Malé.
16. Edelweiss Air – A Swiss airline with seasonal flights from Zurich to Malé.
17. Saudi Arabian Airlines – Connects Riyadh and Jeddah with Malé.

Are flights to the Maldives expensive?

Flights to the Maldives can be on the pricier side, given its status as a sought-after luxury destination. However, prices can vary significantly depending on the airline, time of booking, and departure location. Opting for one of the best airlines to fly to the Maldives can enhance your travel experience, providing value for the cost through premium services and amenities.

What month is the cheapest to fly to the Maldives?

Typically, the cheapest months to fly to the Maldives are during the off-peak season, which falls between May and November. This is the monsoon season in the Maldives, and while you might encounter some rain, you can also benefit from lower prices on flights and accommodations and fewer crowds at popular spots.

Which airline is best to travel to the Maldives with?

The best airline for travel to the Maldives largely depends on individual preferences, budget, and desired level of comfort and service. Airlines like Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar Airways are often recognized as some of the best airlines to fly to the Maldives, offering a blend of exceptional service, comfort, and reliability.

Is Maldives worth the long flight?

Absolutely! The Maldives is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and overwater bungalows. This makes it a paradise for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure. The long flight is a small price to pay for the unique and enchanting experiences that await in this tropical haven.

What is the cheapest way to get to the Maldives?

The most economical way to get to the Maldives is to book flights well in advance and to travel during the off-peak season. Additionally, consider using airline miles or points, looking for flight deals and discounts, and choosing budget airlines or flights with layovers to further reduce costs.

What airlines fly to Maldives from Europe?

Several airlines operate flights from Europe to the Maldives, specifically to Malé International Airport (Velana International Airport). Here are some of the airlines that offer direct or connecting flights from various European cities to the Maldives:

1. Turkish Airlines – Offers flights from Istanbul to Malé.
2. Lufthansa – Operates seasonal flights between Frankfurt and Malé.
3. British Airways – Provides seasonal flights between London and Malé.
4. Edelweiss Air – A Swiss airline with seasonal flights from Zurich to Malé.
5. Aeroflot – Connects Moscow with Malé.
6. Neos – An Italian airline that operates seasonal flights from Milan and other Italian cities to Malé.
7. Alitalia – Offers seasonal flights from Rome to Malé.
8. Air France – Operates seasonal flights from Paris to Malé.
9. Condor – A German airline with seasonal flights from Frankfurt and other German cities to Malé.
10. Eurowings – Offers seasonal flights from various German cities to Malé.
11. TUI Airways – Operates flights from various UK airports to Malé, especially during the tourist season.
12. Austrian Airlines – Provides seasonal flights from Vienna to Malé.

How can I make my flight to the Maldives more enjoyable?

Choosing an airline known for its quality services and amenities can significantly enhance your flight experience. Consider airlines that offer comfortable seating, a variety of in-flight entertainment options, and quality dining experiences. Additionally, staying hydrated, moving around during the flight, and bringing essential items like a neck pillow and earplugs can also contribute to a more pleasant journey.

Is it better to book direct flights to the Maldives?

While direct flights can offer convenience and save time, they might also be more expensive. Depending on your priorities and budget, you might find that flights with layovers offer better value. Weighing the convenience against the cost and considering your individual needs and preferences will help you make the best choice for your travel arrangements.

Can I find budget-friendly airlines to the Maldives?

Yes, several airlines offer more budget-friendly options for travel to the Maldives. While these might not provide the same level of luxury as some premium airlines, they can be a good option for travelers prioritizing cost savings. Researching and comparing prices across different airlines and booking platforms can help you find the most affordable options for your trip.