Gan International Airport is the primary gateway to Addu Atoll. Located on Gan Island, it handles both domestic and limited international flights.
Long runway suitable for jet aircraft
No weather-dependent seaplanes
Faster baggage handling
Easy onward transfers
Once you land, onward travel depends on which island you’re staying on.
Most international travelers reach Addu by transiting through Velana International Airport.
Typical route:
International flight → Malé
Domestic flight → Gan
Ground or boat transfer → final island
Domestic flight time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
These are scheduled aircraft (not seaplanes), making them reliable and affordable.
A major advantage of Addu is its direct international connection.
SriLankan Airlines currently operates direct flights between Colombo (CMB) and Gan (GAN).
Frequency: Twice weekly
Operating Days: Tuesdays & Saturdays
Route: Colombo ↔ Gan
This route is ideal for:
Travelers from South Asia
International visitors connecting via Colombo
Those wanting to avoid Malé airport congestion
⚠️ Seats are limited, so early booking and reconfirmation are strongly advised.
Domestic airlines operate multiple daily flights between Malé and Gan.
Fixed-wing aircraft
Checked baggage included (usually 20–25 kg)
Dive gear often accepted (confirm in advance)
Stable schedules year-round
Compared to seaplane transfers elsewhere in the Maldives, this option is significantly cheaper and more predictable.
Gan, Feydhoo, Maradhoo, Maradhoo-Feydhoo and Hithadhoo are linked by causeways.
You can travel between them using:
Taxis
Scooters
Bicycles
This makes Addu one of the easiest atolls to explore independently.
Not all islands in Addu are reachable by road.
Hulhumeedhoo is not connected by causeway and requires a boat transfer.
1️⃣ Arrive at Gan International Airport
2️⃣ Taxi or car transfer to a harbor (usually Hithadhoo or Feydhoo)
Travel time: 5–10 minutes
3️⃣ Boat transfer to Hulhumeedhoo
Speedboat or local boat
Travel time: 15–20 minutes, depending on sea conditions
Most guesthouses on Hulhumeedhoo arrange transfers in advance, and travelers should always coordinate arrival times.
| Journey Segment | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| International → Malé | Varies |
| Malé → Gan (domestic) | 1.5 hours |
| Gan → Road-connected islands | 10–15 minutes |
| Gan → Hulhumeedhoo (via harbor + boat) | 15–20 minutes |
No seaplane costs
Affordable domestic flights
Guesthouses on multiple islands
Smooth airport experience
Minimal rough sea travel
Short ground transfers
Reliable baggage allowances
Easy access to dive centers
Stable flight schedules
Book domestic flights early in peak season (Dec–April)
Allow 3–4 hours buffer in Malé if tickets are separate
Confirm Hulhumeedhoo boat transfers in advance
Recheck SriLankan Airlines Tuesday/Saturday schedule before booking
These tips help avoid delays when planning How to reach Addu Atoll Maldives efficiently.
No. Addu is reached by scheduled domestic or international flights.
Yes. SriLankan Airlines operates twice weekly from Colombo.
No. A boat transfer is required.
Approximately 1.5 hours.
Yes, due to its airport and road connectivity.
Absolutely—especially those who prefer predictable logistics.
Yes. How to reach Addu Atoll Maldives is far simpler than many travelers expect. With Gan International Airport, scheduled domestic flights, direct SriLankan Airlines connections, and clear transfer options—even for Hulhumeedhoo—Addu stands out as one of the most accessible and traveler-friendly regions in the Maldives.
