Gan Airport Maldives at a glance
Gan International Airport serves the Addu Atoll, the southernmost atoll of the Maldives. It sits on Gan, at the western end of the island chain that makes up Addu City. Do not mix it up with another island called Gan in Laamu Atoll.
There are two ways to reach it. You can fly from Velana Airport in Malé on a domestic flight with Maldivian, or you can connect in Colombo on a SriLankan flight. Once you land, the road runs from Gan over several islands to Hithadhoo. If you want to fill the days after landing, see our Addu excursions. For the island itself, read the Gan guide.
Flights to Gan from Malé and Colombo
Pick the route that fits where you start.
From Malé
Maldivian flies to Gan from Velana Airport. The flight takes about 75 to 90 minutes. Domestic flights sold to foreign visitors carry the 17 percent tourism GST that applies since 1 July 2025, so check whether the fare you see includes it. Look up the current timetable, fares and baggage rules on the airline's own booking page before you plan around a flight.
From Colombo
SriLankan flies between Gan and Colombo. This is the international link in the Addu timetable. Fares change by travel date, so treat any price you see as an example and compare dates before you book.
From other countries
Connect in Colombo, or fly to Malé and take the domestic flight to Gan. If you buy two separate tickets, leave a generous buffer between them. Flights across the region can be disrupted, so check with your airline shortly before you travel.
Addu tours and day trips
Snorkeling trips, dives and island tours around Addu, with live prices and availability.
From the airport to your island
The western islands are linked by a road: Gan, Feydhoo, Maradhoo-Feydhoo, Maradhoo and Hithadhoo. The distance is roughly 14 to 16 km along the whole chain, so most places on this side are a short drive from the airport.
The eastern islands, Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo, are not on that road. A resort in the east is joined to Hulhumeedhoo by a bridge. If you sleep in the east, ask your accommodation how the transfer works and what it costs before you land. Agree the same for the west if you want to be met at the airport.
Before you fly, line up three things. First, a paid booking in registered accommodation, because you need it to enter the country. Second, the free traveller declaration, which you can send in the 96 hours before arrival. Third, a transfer plan with your host. The entry guide covers the first two in detail.
Plan your base with the Addu accommodation guide.
Departure tax and fees when you fly out
Rates in force in 2026 for foreign passengers, in US dollars (since 1 December 2024).
| Travel class | Departure tax | Airport development fee, from Velana |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | $50 | $50 |
| Business | $120 | $120 |
| First | $240 | $240 |
| Private jet | $480 | $480 |
Departure tax applies to every international departure from the Maldives, whether from Gan or Velana. The airport development fee applies on international departures from Velana, not as an extra on top when you leave from Gan. Children under 2, diplomats and transit passengers do not pay the departure tax. Airlines collect these charges on scheduled flights, so look for them in your ticket breakdown.
For most travelers the economy row is the one that counts: $50 departure tax, plus $50 if the international leg leaves from Velana.
Plan the rest of your trip
What to check before and after the flight.
Gan Airport: frequently asked questions
Which airport do I use for Addu?
Gan International Airport, on Gan island in the Addu Atoll. It is a different place from the island called Gan in Laamu Atoll.
How do I get to Addu from abroad?
Fly via Colombo with SriLankan, or fly to Velana Airport in Malé and take a domestic flight with Maldivian to Gan. Check the current timetable before you book.
How long is the flight from Malé to Gan?
Expect about 75 to 90 minutes. The exact time depends on the flight.
Do I pay departure tax in cash at the airport?
On scheduled flights the airline collects departure tax, and the airport development fee where it applies, with the ticket. Check your fare breakdown. The economy rate is $50 for a foreign passenger in 2026.
Is this the official Gan Airport website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not the official site of Addu City Council, Visit Maldives, an airline, an airport operator or any resort. Always confirm flight details with your airline.