How to get to | Maldives

This is part of a series of blog entries on how to get to countries and places. Here is a link to the index. I plan to eventually cover every country and some other places. If you have a request for a particular country or place please use the email me link at top right, or leave a comment.

Maldives

Source: Shahee Ilyas

The only practical way to visit Maldives is by air to Male (then boat or air to one of the islands). Airlines flying to Maldives include:

• Star Alliance – Austrian (seasonal), Singapore Airlines
• Oneworld – British Airways (starts October 2009)
• Sky Team -
• Other selected – Malaysian, Shanghai Airlines, Sri Lankan, Indian, Emirates, Qatar, some European low cost carriers

TIP Maldives are difficult to use on around the world tickets. On Star Alliance a long back-track to Singapore is required (except when Austrian operates a seasonal flight). On Oneworld (from October 2009) it will be possible to include Maldives but only with a surface sector between Male and Sri Lanka, India, Singapore or Malaysia.

TIP Similarly award tickets are difficult unless flying from Europe on Oneworld or Asia/Pacific on Star Alliance. Some programs will not allow the backtracking required from other origins.

TIP Several airlines operate a triangle flight with short hop between Male and Colombo in either or both directions connecting to a longhaul destination in Europe, Middle East or Asia. If fares to/from Male are high check them to/from Colombo instead with a separate ticket for the extra flight.

TIP With more than 70 resorts on the tiny islands business class discounted paid fares and awards go early.

UPDATED August 2010 – Updated for TAM and Aegean joining Star Alliance, Shanghai leaving Star Alliance, Vietnam Airlines and TAROM joining Sky Team. No change to advice.

Musings of the Global Traveller
Thoughts, advice and travel news from around the world by a seasoned frequent flyer.