Discover the Best Routes to Reach the Maldives: A Comprehensive Guide to Connecting Flights from Major Cities

Are you planning a trip to the Maldives? Finding the best connecting flights from your city can save your time, money, and hassle. Whether you’re travelling from New York, London, Sydney, or any other global hub, this guide will help you find the best routes, airlines, and layover options. This way, you can ensure your journey to the Maldives is as smooth as possible!

As the Maldives has been a renowned prime travel destination, the country attracts tourists from all over the world. The destination is particularly popular among honeymooners, luxury travellers, and diving enthusiasts. With this, choosing the right flight to the Maldives is crucial for ensuring a pleasant travel experience. As the island nation is remotely located, most travellers will need to take connecting flights from major cities. By planning your journey carefully and selecting the best routes and airlines, you can minimise travel time and maximise comfort. This will allow you to start your Maldivian adventure refreshed and relaxed.

Top Departure Cities and Connecting Routes to the Maldives

Connecting flights to Maldives from New York (JFK/EWR)

If you’re flying from New York (JFK/EWR) there are three airlines that we would recommend taking. You can choose to fly with either Emirates, Qatar Airways or Etihad Airways. All three airlines are known for personalised service, comfort, as well as amazing deals if your trip is planned and booked ahead of time. Additionally, these airlines also frequently connect to the Maldives, giving you more flights to choose from. The typical route from New York includes layovers at Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi. All three of these airports are also known for luxury and comfort, meaning your layover won’t be a hassle.

Flights to Maldives from London (LHR/LGW)

From London (LHR/LGW) you can explore flights from British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines. For this connection, the typical route includes London to Dubai, Doha, or Instanbul. Just like the New York flight choices, these flights are also premium choices for long flights. With multiple daily flights, travellers going to the Maldives can also get convenient layovers and amazing amenities.

From Sydney (SYD) to the Maldives

Connecting from Sydney to the Maldives? You can fly with Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, or Etihad Airways. With the typical route connecting you from Sydney to Doha, Singapore or Abu Dhabi to Male’ you are sure to have a comfortable journey. In addition to the efficient routing, travellers can also expect comfortable long-haul options from these airlines.

Connecting From Tokyo (NRT/HND) to Maldives

For the best connection from Tokyo, you can fly with either Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, or Qatar Airways. With these airlines, you can connect to the Maldives easily through layovers in Singapore, Hong Kong, or Doha. With amazing airlines and comfortable layover destinations, travellers can be assured of high service quality as well as more manageable layovers.

From Dubai (DBX) and Other Main Connecting Hubs

Dubai is arguably one of the best cities to connect to the Maldives. This key hub for travellers connects you straight from Dubai to the Maldives. In addition to getting direct flight options, travellers can also expect minimal layovers and top-notch services. In addition to Dubai, this option is also available from Singapore as well as Malaysia!

Key Airlines for Connecting Flights to the Maldives

There are a few key airlines that travellers choose for amazing connecting flights to the Maldives. This includes:

Emirates: Extensive network and premium service.
Qatar Airways: World-class service and convenient layover options in Doha.
Singapore Airlines: Award-winning service and efficient routes via Singapore.
Etihad Airways: Luxury service and layover benefits in Abu Dhabi.

Tips for a Smooth Journey

Booking Strategies
- Use flight comparison tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights.
- Consider booking directly with airlines for better support and flexibility.
Layover Considerations
- Choose layovers that offer lounge access or sightseeing opportunities.
- Ensure sufficient layover time to avoid missed connections.
Travel Essentials
- Pack a travel pillow, eye mask, and other comfort items.
- Stay hydrated and move around during long flights.

The travel and tourism sector is undergoing significant transformation, and the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai is set to play a central role. For years, ATM has served as a vital meeting point for global industry leaders, innovators, and professionals. In 2025, however, the event’s importance has grown, not just due to its strategic location and global reach, but also because of an emerging shift in how countries, including the Maldives, are prioritizing international tourism fairs. Traditionally aligned with major European tourism events like ITB Berlin, the Maldives has now designated ATM as its most important international tourism fair, marking a decisive pivot in the country’s global tourism strategy.

ATM 2025: A Landmark Event for the Travel Industry

Set to take place from April 28 to May 1, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM will be more than just a gathering; it’s expected to be an industry milestone. With over 46,000 tourism professionals attending from more than 160 countries, the 2025 edition promises to showcase the latest innovations, trends, and developments in the travel and tourism industry. As the world moves toward post-pandemic recovery, the event will highlight how the industry can develop through enhanced connectivity and forward-thinking technology.

The overarching theme of ATM 2025, “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity,” reflects the rapid shifts in global travel patterns. From Artificial Intelligence (AI) shaping travel experiences to sustainability coming to the forefront, ATM 2025 will not only spotlight emerging trends but also offer a platform for businesses, governments, and stakeholders to forge new partnerships and explore new opportunities.

One of the key innovations at ATM 2025 will be the incorporation of cutting-edge AI technologies. As the travel industry becomes more tech-driven, the event will explore how AI streamlines operations, personalizes customer experiences, and aids in sustainable destination management. AI will take center stage at ATM 2025, with prominent speakers, including Cassie Kozyrkov, the former Chief Decision Scientist at Google, offering insights into how businesses can strategically adopt AI to drive growth.

Why ATM? Maldives Shifts Its Focus

For many years, the Maldives has maintained a strong presence at global tourism fairs, with ITB Berlin serving as a traditional cornerstone. However, in 2025, the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) made a notable decision: the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will now take precedence over ITB Berlin as the country’s primary tourism event. This strategic shift forms part of a broader recalibration of how the Maldives engages with the global tourism industry.

One of the driving factors behind this pivot is accessibility. The Maldives, like many other destinations, faced logistical challenges with European trade shows such as ITB Berlin. Visa difficulties and geographical constraints hindered the participation of Maldivian industry professionals, limiting their ability to engage with international stakeholders. Dubai, however, with its easy access to the wider Middle Eastern, African, and Asian markets, presents a much more viable platform for global engagement.

MMPRC Managing Director Ibrahim Shiuree affirmed that consultations with industry stakeholders, including resort operators and tourism associations, guided the move to prioritize ATM. As a result, ATM now offers the Maldives the visibility and accessibility it needs to promote its thriving tourism sector to an increasingly diverse international audience.

At ATM 2025, the Maldives delegation will present a strong presence, with over 230 representatives, including 111 exhibitors showcasing a wide range of resorts, guesthouses, and luxury services. In addition to promoting the country’s stunning natural beauty, MMPRC will also curate a cultural experience to replace the Maldives’ traditional “Maldivian Night” event, once held at ITB Berlin. This new showcase will offer international audiences a taste of Maldivian cuisine, music, and arts, highlighting the country’s unique cultural identity.

ATM: A Gateway for Regional Tourism Growth

The growing importance of ATM is not limited to the Maldives. The event has become a central hub for countries across the Middle East, Asia, and beyond to showcase their tourism offerings. In 2025, exhibitors from Asia will increase notably, with countries like India and China significantly expanding their participation. This highlights the region’s increasing influence in the global tourism market, particularly as Asia emerges as the fastest-growing region for tourism recovery.

Saudi Arabia, for instance, will spotlight its ambitious Vision 2030 at ATM 2025, with major tourism projects like the Red Sea Coast and NEOM taking center stage. Similarly, the UAE, Qatar, and other Middle Eastern countries will showcase their advancements in tourism infrastructure and evolving cultural tourism offerings.

The Middle East’s tourism sector has demonstrated impressive resilience post-pandemic, with the region recording a 32% increase in international arrivals over pre-pandemic 2019 levels. This robust recovery is expected to continue, with ATM 2025 providing an invaluable platform for international buyers and stakeholders to tap into this growing market.

A New Era for Tourism in the Maldives and Beyond

For the Maldives, ATM 2025 represents more than just a change in venue; it signals the country’s readiness to adapt to global tourism dynamics and the growing influence of the Middle East as a tourism hub. By focusing on Dubai and the Arabian Travel Market, the Maldives positions itself as a key player in a rapidly changing global tourism landscape, one that increasingly demands accessibility, connectivity, and cultural engagement.

Beyond the Maldives, ATM 2025 will likely become a game-changer for the global tourism industry. The event will highlight the importance of sustainability, technology, and cultural exchange as key drivers of growth. It will also offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the global travel market, from the impacts of AI to the need for sustainable tourism practices.

As the travel industry continues to evolve, ATM 2025 will serve as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and forward-thinking strategies. For countries like the Maldives, it represents the perfect opportunity to showcase not just their natural beauty but also their evolving tourism models that embrace cultural heritage, sustainability, and technological advancements.