When flying to the Maldives, the primary international gateway where you will land is Velana International Airport (MLE), also commonly known as Malé International Airport. It is uniquely located on Hulhulé Island in the North Malé Atoll, just a short boat or bridge ride from the capital city of Malé. The airport is famous for its "island-runway" that appears to be floating in the turquoise ocean. Upon landing, depending on the location of your resort, your journey continues via one of three distinct modes: a seaplane (from the dedicated seaplane terminal), a speedboat, or a short domestic flight to a smaller regional airport like Gan or Maafaru. Velana is a fully modern hub with 42 international counters and specific "water dome" facilities for the world's largest seaplane operation. While there are other smaller international airports, nearly all long-haul flights from Europe, the US, and Asia land at MLE before guests are transferred across the archipelago to their final island paradise.