Chennai to
Male
Tue, Sep 1, 26
Economy From
INR 29,318*
One Way
*Fares displayed have been collected within the last 24 hours and may no longer be available at time of booking.
The Maldives is one of the more accessible Indian Ocean island destinations. Air India offers connecting flights from Chennai International Airport to Velana International Airport in Male. This guide covers fares, Chennai to Maldives flight duration, entry requirements, and travel essentials.
Getting a good Chennai to Maldives flight ticket fare comes down to timing. Booking four to six weeks ahead generally gives access to a wider range of options. Mid-week departures, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, tend to see less demand than weekends. Travelling in May, June, or September can offer better value compared to the peak December-to-April window.
Booking through our website or app is straightforward. Choose your travel dates, select a routing, and pick your fare. From there, you can add baggage, select a seat, or request assistance. Maharaja Club members should log in before searching so that loyalty benefits apply at checkout.
Connecting Hub: Most current routings connect through Delhi (DEL) before continuing to Velana International Airport in Male.
Chennai to Maldives flight duration: The journey typically ranges from approximately 14 to 22 hours, including the layover at Delhi.
Variable Factors: The specific duration depends on the connecting service chosen.
Travel Planning: Passengers should factor in the layover duration to ensure onward resort transfers are arranged accordingly.
As India's national flag carrier and a Star Alliance member, we operate connecting itineraries with through-checked-baggage transfer to Male. Our crew provides a professional and attentive service, and all aircraft are maintained to current aviation safety standards.
Here are a few reasons to book your Chennai to Maldives flights with us:
Complimentary Food: Hot meals and beverages are provided on international fare segments as standard.
Baggage Allowance: Economy fares include 20 kg to 30 kg of checked baggage, depending on fare type. Confirm your exact entitlement on your ticket.
Maharaja Club: Earn tier points and award miles redeemable across Star Alliance partners on every eligible flight.
Customer Support: Our team is available via phone, email, and the Air India app for any booking or travel queries.
The Maldives is an archipelago of 26 atolls and over 1,000 coral islands scattered across the central Indian Ocean. The underwater world here is among the most biodiverse on earth. Coral reefs, manta ray feeding grounds, bioluminescent bays, and calm lagoons define the Maldivian experience. Above water, the islands offer a rare combination of solitude, natural beauty, and hospitality.
Velana International Airport (MLE) on Hulhule Island is the primary international gateway. A short ferry connects it to Male city. Resorts in outer atolls typically require a seaplane or domestic flight transfer arranged directly with the property before arrival.
The Maldives has a number of destinations worth exploring beyond the resort beaches:
Male City: The National Museum and waterfront area offer a grounded look at Maldivian history and daily life.
Baa Atoll (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve): Hanifaru Bay is one of the world's most significant manta ray feeding grounds.
Vaadhoo Island: The shoreline displays natural bioluminescence on clear nights.
Ari Atoll: With around 50 dive sites, it is among the top underwater destinations in the archipelago.
December to April is the dry season, offering calm seas and reliable visibility. The wet season from May to October brings quieter islands, lower accommodation rates, and good conditions for marine life encounters in Baa Atoll.
Private island resorts on uninhabited islands, reached by seaplane or speedboat, offer overwater and beach villas with strong privacy.
On inhabited islands such as Maafushi and Dhigurah, local guesthouses provide a more community-centred alternative.
Divers often opt for liveaboards and safari vessels, which move between atolls and give access to multiple dive sites over several days.
For those staying in the capital, city hotels in Malé work well as a practical base near the airport.
A few practical points before you travel:
Currency: US dollars are accepted at most resorts. The Maldivian Rufiyaa is the local currency for use on inhabited islands.
Dress Code: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting local islands. Swimwear is limited to designated beach areas.
Local Regulations: Alcohol cannot be brought into the country and is only available at licensed resort premises.
All passengers need a valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the Maldives departure date. Carry printed and digital copies of your passport, flight confirmation, and accommodation booking throughout the journey.
Indian passport holders receive a free 30-day visa on arrival. Before travel, all passengers must complete the IMUGA Traveller Declaration via the Maldives Immigration portal within 96 hours of arrival. This is a mandatory entry requirement and is separate from airline check-in. We recommend checking the latest conditions on the official Maldives Immigration website and relevant Government of India advisories.
We connect Chennai to Male through our coordinated connecting network, with baggage transferred through to MLE. Schedules and availability are updated in real time on our website.
Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu and a major international departure point in South India. Landmarks include Marina Beach and the Government Museum. The city connects to Chennai International Airport by metro, suburban rail, and road.
Chennai International Airport (MAA) is the departure point for your journey to Male. For routings via Delhi, the Chennai to Delhi sector typically operates from Terminal 4. We recommend arriving at least three hours before your Chennai to Maldives flight time to allow for check-in and security at MAA. The airport is served by the Green Line metro via the Airport station.
