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.

On April 19, 2025, Marriott International celebrated the success of 31 apprentices who graduated from the second batch of its Maldives Apprenticeship Program. The special ceremony took place at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and featured key dignitaries, including Hon. Ibrahim Waheed, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, along with other officials from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT). Additionally, Mark Fletcher, Marriott’s Area Director of Human Resources for Singapore and the Maldives, also attended to acknowledge the graduates’ achievements.

Hon. Ibrahim Waheed highlighted the program’s role in empowering the youth of the Maldives, commenting, “Today, we celebrate 31 apprenticeship graduates. These are 31 futures redefined—each a testament to what happens when opportunity meets action. To our apprentices, you step forward as ambassadors of possibility. And to Marriott International, thank you for not just supporting this program, but for championing it—your commitment to mentorship and local capacity building is truly admirable.”

A Collaborative Effort in Hospitality Training

The Marriott Apprenticeship Program is a collaborative effort between Marriott International, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, and MIT. This 10-month program provides participants with a well-rounded education that includes theoretical lessons at MIT and hands-on experience at various Marriott resorts across the Maldives. Specifically, the apprentices received training in several key hospitality sectors, including front office operations, culinary arts, food and beverage service, and housekeeping.

By partnering with the Maldivian government, Marriott became the first international hospitality brand to support such an apprenticeship initiative in the country, reinforcing its dedication to developing local talent. In this way, the program supports Marriott’s broader mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the fast-growing Maldivian tourism industry.

Practical Experience Across Marriott’s Maldives Resorts

The apprentices completed their theoretical training at MIT before gaining practical experience at Marriott’s luxurious properties in the Maldives, such as The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort; JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa; W Maldives; Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa; Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa; and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

True to the company’s guiding principle of “We Put People First,” Marriott focuses on helping young professionals grow and succeed. As a result of their hard work, all the graduates received Level-3 certification, officially recognized by the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA). This certification acknowledges their successful completion of both the academic and practical components of the program, preparing them for careers in the hospitality industry.

Looking Ahead to a Bright Future

Mark Fletcher reflected on the program’s origins, noting, “When we launched this program in 2023, it was envisioned as a pilot, a leap of faith, grounded in belief. A belief in crafting talents of Maldivian youth, belief in the strength and collaboration, and belief in Marriott’s commitment to “take care” – not just our people but the communities where we serve. What began as an initiative is now a movement, and Marriott International is proud to be the first international hospitality brand to officially launch such apprenticeship program in the Maldives”

Ultimately, this graduation marks a key milestone in Marriott’s efforts to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Maldives’ tourism industry by fostering a talented and skilled local workforce. Marriott looks forward to watching its graduates embark on successful careers and continue playing an essential role in the growth of the country’s hospitality sector.