The Noovilu Seaplane Terminal
Where you wait, if you are not a resort guest.
Almost every guide written about this terminal describes the resort experience. Here is the guesthouse one.
Getting there from your international flight
You clear immigration and collect your bags at the international terminal first. A representative meets you in the arrivals hall and walks you to the seaplane check-in counter, where you and your bags are weighed - the aircraft is weight-and-balance critical, so this is routine rather than rude.
Then a shuttle takes you across to the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal, five to ten minutes away on the far side of the airport. Be at the counter forty-five minutes before your slot.
The terminal itself
Noovilu opened in October 2022 and is owned by the airport authority rather than by any one airline. It is four storeys and around 28,000 square metres, shared by Trans Maldivian Airways, Manta Air and Maldivian, with roughly forty lounges inside it.
The Neeri Lounge - the bit nobody tells you
Those forty-odd lounges upstairs belong to individual resorts. If you are staying at a guesthouse you will not be using one, and that is not a downgrade - it is simply how the building is organised.
What you use is the Neeri Lounge: the terminal's general lounge, free and open to every seaplane passenger regardless of where they are staying. It is about 1,100 square metres, with seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, washrooms including baby-changing facilities, flight information screens, and a refreshment stand selling snacks and drinks.
Paid lounges do exist in the same building if you want one, at around $45 for a few hours. For a one to two hour wait, most people do not bother.
How long you will be there
Typically one to two hours after check-in, sometimes longer. Rotations are built daily and your slot can shift. Bring something to read, and a card for the café.
Neeri Lounge
- FreeEvery seaplane passenger. No resort booking needed
- 1,100 m²Seating, air conditioning, flight screens
- Wi-FiComplimentary
- WashroomsIncluding baby-changing facilities
- CaféSnacks and drinks to buy - bring a card
Terminal arrangements change, and seaplane operations are expected to move off Velana eventually, though that had not happened as of October 2026. We confirm yours when we confirm your flight.
Reservations
Tell us your flight.
Send your flight numbers and we will come straight back with your seaplane times, the confirmed fare and a secure link to pay by card.
$283 per adult one way, $185 per child under 12, all taxes and the boat to Dhigurah included.
or WhatsApp us - usually answered within the hour.