Your dreamy vacation in the Maldives starts with a scenic 25-minute seaplane transfer from Velana International Airport, bringing you to one of the best dive resorts in the country. View the idyllic islands from above, including Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa – nestled in the South Ari Atoll and surrounded by the royal blue ocean.
Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) provides seaplane transfers to and from the TMA Terminal located at Velana International Airport (Male’ International Airport). The flights are scheduled to coincide with the arrival and departure of international flights. The seaplane transfer time from the TMA Terminal to Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa is a scenic 25-minute flight.
Typically, upon arrival in the Maldives, after clearing immigration and customs, the guest will exit the customs area and enter the Arrivals Hall, proceed to the nearby Crown & Champa Resorts Booth #B9, where a Representative will assist the guest for check-in at TMA Seaplane counter. After seaplane check-in, the guest is transferred by bus, from the International Arrival Terminal to the TMA Seaplane Lounge, around 10 minutes away. The guest will wait in the TMA Neeri Lounge area for their scheduled seaplane transfer to Vilamendhoo. The seaplane to Vilamendhoo is normally scheduled to depart within one to two hours of all guests clearing immigration and customs.
In rare instances, such as international flight arrival delays or if a baggage claim form must be completed, the wait would usually be extended.
Guests arriving on an international flight which cannot connect to the last seaplane of the day to Vilamendhoo (usually departs no later than about 16h00) may choose to overnight in nearby Male’ at the Champa Central Hotel, or elsewhere. A hotel booking can be arranged by the Vilamendhoo team.
The seaplane allowance for checked-in luggage is 20 kg, while carry-on luggage is 5 kg per person, above which there will be an excess charge of US$5.00 per kg, subject to 16% GST. In extraordinary circumstances, luggage may be transported by a later flight (as per safety regulations and TMA policies & procedures).
In rare instances, due to circumstances beyond the control of TMA and/or Vilamendhoo, such as unfavourable weather conditions, the seaplane may depart earlier or later than scheduled to/from Vilamendhoo, in which case, neither TMA nor Vilamendhoo assumes liability for any related expenses incurred by guests.
Guest can purchase food and beverages and free Wi-Fi while relaxing in air-conditioned comfort or al fresco on the deck until the flight departs.
There is a US$45* fee, per person for use of the lounge for a maximum 3 hours, including the self-service buffet, snacks during normal operational hours and light meals after 18h00. Internet access, newspapers and magazines, international TV channels, flight information, local telephone and washrooms, family room (comfortable and private area for diaper changing and nursing), kids play areas etc.; are available for all guests. For International departing guests, the lounge is open in the late afternoon so guests can relax in comfort, until we transfer you in the TMA shuttle to the International Departure Terminal to check in for your flight home. Guests may book the lounge before they arrive in the Maldives or while at Vilamendhoo.
*Prices are correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
Please read transfer policy for more information or contact us reservations@vilamendhoo.com
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