MLE Airport (Velana International Airport) – Cargo, Address, Transit

About This Airport

Fresh and chilled yellowfin tuna leaving under unbroken cold chain, and food, construction material and resort supplies arriving in the other direction — that is the shape of air freight at Velana International Airport (MLE/VRMM), the Maldives' main gateway, formerly known as Malé International Airport. The airport occupies Hulhulé island next to the capital Malé, linked by road via the Sinamalé Bridge since 2018. Its cargo terminal covers 12,000 m² and is designed for 120,000 tonnes a year, part of a roughly USD 1 billion expansion by state operator Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL). The new Terminal 1 opened on 26 July 2025 and, according to the operator, triples passenger and cargo handling capacity; since 17 February 2026 domestic flights have used the former international building as Terminal 2. Cargo volumes rose about 10% in 2025 against the previous year. Onward distribution is maritime rather than road-based: consignments move from Hulhulé to the atolls by boat or seaplane, which drives packaging and transit-time planning. Perishables shippers should also plan around the peak tourist season, when belly capacity competes with passenger baggage. Colombo (CMB) in Sri Lanka is the usual regional alternative and transhipment point, with Hanimaadhoo (HAQ) and Gan (GAN) serving the northern and southern atolls.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IATA code of Velana International Airport?▼

The IATA code of Velana International Airport is MLE. This three-letter code is used for unique airport identification in international air transport.

Where is Velana International Airport located?▼

Velana International Airport is located in Malé, MV.

What is the ICAO code of Velana International Airport?▼

The ICAO code of Velana International Airport is VRMM. This four-letter code is used internationally in aviation.

What is the elevation of Velana International Airport?▼

Velana International Airport is at an elevation of 2 meters (6 ft) above sea level.

Velana International AirportMLE · VRMM

About This Airport

Frequently Asked Questions

Community Questions & Answers