Cover Get closer to paradise with AirAsia's direct flights to the Maldives, up to seventeen times a week (Image: AirAsia)
Get closer to paradise with AirAsia's direct flights to the Maldives, up to seventeen times a week (Image: AirAsia)
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With the transition to the new $600 million Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport, Malaysian travellers can now enjoy a seamless, world-class arrival experience that matches the luxury of the Maldives themselves
The journey from the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur to the pristine white sands and cerulean blue of the oceans in the Maldives has never been easier, thanks to AirAsia. Operating out of Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2, AirAsia serves as a vital bridge to Velana International Airport in Malé, offering up to sixteen weekly nonstop flights that cater to both early risers and those preferring evening departures. Within four hours and fifteen minutes, this aspirational luxury destination is now a practical getaway for Malaysian travellers, especially with the airline’s modern fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft frequently servicing the route.
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Above Enjoy the pristine waters of the beautiful islands (Image: Air Asia)
Enjoy the pristine waters of the beautiful islands (Image: Air Asia)
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The experience of arriving in paradise reached a significant milestone in late 2025 with the official opening of the Maldives’ brand-new international terminal. AirAsia transitioned its operations to this state-of-the-art facility in November 2025, moving away from the previous infrastructure that had served the islands for decades.
This new terminal is a six-hundred-million-dollar architectural marvel designed to reflect the natural beauty of the Maldivian islands. It effectively solves the congestion issues of the past by increasing the airport's capacity to seven million passengers annually, ensuring that the transition from the aircraft to the island transfer is as tranquil as the destination itself.
Above The latest terminal in the Maldives welcomes guests to luxury from the moment they land (Image: Lets Go Maldives)
The latest terminal in the Maldives welcomes guests to luxury from the moment they land (Image: Lets Go Maldives)
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Upon landing at the new terminal, passengers now enjoy the comfort of 12 aerobridges, a major upgrade that eliminates the need for bus transfers across the tarmac in the tropical heat. The interior boasts nearly fifty check-in counters and expanded immigration zones, significantly reducing the wait times that once defined the arrival process. Beyond the logistics, the terminal offers a sophisticated environment with high ceilings, natural light, and a vastly improved selection of duty-free retail and gourmet dining options. For those with a long wait before a seaplane transfer or a return flight to Kuala Lumpur, take your pick of premium lounges to relax.
Above Paradise is now a practical getaway with Air Asia's flights (Image: Air Asia)
Paradise is now a practical getaway with Air Asia's flights (Image: Air Asia)
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To make the most of your flight, pre-book Santan meals to enjoy during your flight, with meals to serve every palate, and check-in seamlessly with the AirAsia mobile app. AirAsia can also help with your trip itinerary through their various activity partners to help plan your trip. The combination of AirAsia’s budget-friendly fares and the world-class amenities of the new Malé terminal means that the Maldivian dream is now more efficient and comfortable than ever before. Whether you are heading to a local island guest house or a high-end private resort, the gateway to the Indian Ocean has finally evolved to match the legendary beauty of the islands it serves.
