The back story
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Town guide
Hulhumalé: the new city by the airport
HDC’s smart city on reclaimed land next to the airport, with a beachfront, Central Park and two hospitals.
City guide · the new city by the airport
Hulhumalé & the Airport: Our Favourites
Hulhumalé and the airport island: the beachfront, the Hulhulé Island Hotel, two hospitals, duty free and the seaplane airlines.
What's onThis week in the Maldives
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What to see and do
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The developer behind Hulhumalé
Housing Development Corporation (HDC)
The 100% state-owned developer, founded in 2001, behind the Hulhumalé smart city on reclaimed land and the Thilafushi, Kudagiri and Rasmalé projects.
HDC Building, Hulhumalé 23000, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Where to eat
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The brand’s first Maldives café
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Hulhumalé
The first Maldives branch of the Californian coffee chain, opened on 15 September 2025 on the Hulhumalé beachfront.
Central Park beachfront, HulhumaléExplore View on map
Where to stay
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The only hotel on the airport island
Hulhulé Island Hotel
The only hotel on the airport island, two minutes’ walk from Terminal 1, with a complimentary shuttle, pool, gym and private beach.
Hulhulé, P.O. Box 2118, Malé, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Shopping
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Perfume, watches and souvenirs
Duty Free Maldives
The airport’s licensed duty-free operator since 2018, with a shop outside the arrivals gate that is open to non-passengers.
Velana International Airport, Hulhulé 22000, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
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Island-made, at the airport
Authentic Maldives, Velana airport
An airport shop of genuine Maldivian crafts, spices and organic cosmetics, sourced directly from the atolls.
Velana International Airport, Hulhulé 22000, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Health
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24/7 emergency near the airport
Tree Top Hospital
A private hospital in Hulhumalé with a 24/7 emergency department (ambulance 1610) and a clinic in Malé.
Lot 10608, Dhumburi Magu, Hulhumalé 23000, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
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Hotline 1417
Hulhumalé Hospital
The government hospital for Hulhumalé, with a general practice clinic in Phase 2.
Huvan’dhumaa Hingun, Hulhumalé, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Getting there
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The world’s largest seaplane fleet
Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA)
The world’s largest seaplane operator, flying from the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal at Velana International Airport.
Velana International Airport, P.O. Box 2023, Malé, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
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The gateway, and the seaplane hub
Velana International Airport (MLE)
The main international gateway, with a 3,400 m runway, flights to more than 40 destinations and the Noovilu seaplane hub.
Velana International Airport, Hulhulé 22000, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
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The world’s largest seaplane hub
Noovilu Seaplane Terminal
The seaplane terminal at Velana International Airport, which the airport operator calls the world’s largest seaplane hub.
Velana International Airport, Hulhulé 22000, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Questions and answers
How far is Hulhumalé from the airport?
It is next door. Hulhumalé was built on reclaimed land beside the airport island.
Where can I stay if my seaplane is the next morning?
The Hulhulé Island Hotel is the only hotel on the airport island, two minutes’ walk from Terminal 1.
Share your Hulhumalé tips
Been there? Share your experience and tips with other visitors.
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