How Long Is The Flight To the Maldives From NYC?

How long is the flight to The Maldives from NYC? With its iconic over water bungalows and white sand beaches, Maldives is a dream vacation for many, but it can be a long flight. In this article we cover how long it takes, along with the best way to get there, and how to find the best prices.

From New York JFK airport to The Maldive’s Male Velana International Airport it’s 8721 nautical miles. The flight duration is about 24 hours of travel time to fly from New York City to the Maldives, and even more to reach your hotel room. This includes layovers and the long flights.

There are no non-stop flights for the long trip from New York to the Maldives, or from anywhere in the United States. While US based airlines such as American Airlines and United Airlines fly to other areas in Asia and Europe, none currently fly to the Maldives. However, The Maldives is served by other different airlines.

How Long Is The Flight to The Maldives From NYC? Getting There

The flight time alone is about 18 hours, and there are usually layovers in cities such as Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi. These cities are almost on a direct route from New York City, so you’re not flying very far out of the way for your layover city. From these cities it’s about a 5 hour average flight time to Male airport, the nearest airport in the Maldives that handles international flights.

For example, JFK in New York to the main airport, Maldives Male International Airport the flight distance is 8,721 nautical miles while JFK to Dubai to The Maldives is 8,734 miles, a difference of only 13 miles! Layover cities don’t get much more direct than that.
Here’s a link to Great Circle Mapper that shows you the difference on a map. Great circle distance is the shortest distance between two points.

How long is the flight to The Maldives from NYC? The exact time it takes to fly from New York City to the Maldives will depend on the specific route and layovers of the flight you are taking. From the west coast of the United States, plan on several more hours.

From layover airports such as Doha and Dubai, actual flight times back to the United States can be 16 to 17 hours to cities on the west coast such as Los Angeles International Airport.

Once you reach Male airport in the Maldives, your final portion of the journey to the remote location of different resorts will be via seaplane transfer or speed boat. Definitely a full day journey!

How long is the flight to The Maldives from NYC? Why It’s Worth The Trip

The Maldives is a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean. It is made up of 26 atolls, which are clusters of coral reefs that have formed around lagoons. The Maldives is special for several reasons:

1. Natural beauty: The Maldives is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and coral reefs, which make it a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. It’s easy to find marine life such as whale sharks, manta rays, and plenty of native blacktip reef sharks in their natural habitats.
2. Luxury resorts: The Maldives is home to many luxurious resorts that offer a wide range of amenities and activities, including overwater villas, spas, and water sports.
3. Unique culture: The Maldives has a unique culture that is influenced by its location at the crossroads of ancient trade routes. The Maldives is predominantly Muslim and has a rich history and tradition of art, music, and poetry.

How long is the flight to The Maldives from NYC? For good reason, The Maldives with its overwater bungalows, along with destinations like Bora Bora and the French Polynesia, have become a tropical island bucket list destination for many.

Where Are The Maldives?

The Maldives is an archipelago nation located in the Indian Ocean. It is situated southwest of India and Sri Lanka. The Maldives consists of 26 atolls, which are made up of coral reefs and many small local islands. The capital city, Male, is located on one of the atolls.

The Maldives is known for its crystal clear warm water, white sandy beaches, and natural aquarium coral reefs, which make it a popular tourist destination to relax or enjoy water activities such as scuba dive and snorkel when high visibility allows it.

Time difference

The Maldives are10 hours ahead of New York City

Which Airlines Fly To The Maldives From NYC?

There are several major airlines that offer round trip flights between the United States and the Maldives, including:

1. Emirates – This Dubai-based airline offers flights from major cities in the United States, such as New York, Houston, and San Francisco, to the Maldives.
2. Qatar Airways – This airline offers flights from major cities in the United States, such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, to the Maldives.
3. Etihad Airways – This Abu Dhabi-based airline offers flights from major cities in the United States, such as New York, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles, to the Maldives.
4. Turkish Airlines – This airline offers flights from major cities in the United States, such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, to the Maldives.
5. British Airways – This airline offers flights from major cities in the United States, such as New York and Chicago, to the Maldives.
6. Singapore Airlines

Emirates

How long is the flight to The Maldives from NYC? Emirates offers flights from New York to the Maldives with a stopover in Dubai.

The flight is operated by either a Boeing 777 or an Airbus 380, both of which offer a first-class and business-class cabin. Emirates’ first-class cabin features a fully-flat bed, in-seat massage, and a wide variety of gourmet cuisine and are sure to provide a pleasant flight. Business-class passengers are also treated to a luxurious experience, with lie-flat beds, a wide selection of fine dining, and a variety of entertainment options.

Emirates airline also provides complimentary chauffeur service for first-class and business-class passengers, allowing them to arrive at their destination in style. With Emirates, passengers can enjoy a luxurious experience from New York to the Maldives.

To get from New York City to the Maldives on Emirates, you can follow these steps:

1. Book a flight from New York City (JFK or EWR) to Dubai (DXB) on Emirates. You can do this on the Emirates website or through a travel agency.
2. Once you arrive in Dubai, you will need to transfer to another flight to the Maldives. Emirates operates flights from Dubai to Male, the capital of the Maldives, several times a day.
3. You can book a connecting flight from Dubai to Male at the same time as your New York-Dubai flight, or you can book it separately.
4. Once you arrive in Male, you will need to take a short ferry or seaplane ride to your final destination in the Maldives. There are many resorts and hotels located on various islands throughout the Maldives, so you will need to arrange transportation to your specific destination.

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways is an award-winning airline that offers flights from New York to Maldives. The airline offers economy and business class seating, both of which provide great service. For those wishing to upgrade their experience, the airline offers its Qsuite business class, which features a unique four-person suite with sliding privacy doors.

We flew business class on Qatar from Houston to Doha then to the Maldives and had a great experience onboard their Airbus 350-1000.

Passengers can also take advantage of a stopover in Doha, Qatar, to explore the city before continuing on to the Maldives. Qatar Airways provides exceptional service and comfort, making it the perfect choice for a flight from New York to Maldives.

How long is the flight to The Maldives from NYC on Qatar? To travel from New York City to the Maldives on Qatar Airways, you will need to book a flight with a layover. Here’s an example of a route you can take:

1. Take a flight from New York City (JFK) to Doha, Qatar (DOH).
2. Take a layover in Doha for a few hours or overnight.
3. Take a flight from Doha to Male, Maldives (MLE).
4. Once you arrive in Male, you will need to take a short ferry or seaplane ride to your final destination in the Maldives. There are many resorts and hotels located on various islands throughout the Maldives, so you will need to arrange transportation to your specific destination.

You can book this flight on the Qatar Airways website or through a travel agent. When booking, you’ll need to specify your departure and arrival airports, as well as your desired travel dates. You can also choose from a variety of cabin classes, depending on your preferences and budget.

Etihad

Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates and is based in Abu Dhabi. It is known for its luxurious amenities and top-rated service.

When flying with Etihad, passengers can choose from a variety of seating options, including Economy, Business, and First Class. Economy class offers comfortable seating and in-flight entertainment, while Business and First Class offer additional perks such as private cabins, gourmet meals, and access to exclusive airport lounges.

Etihad also has a loyalty program called Etihad Guest, where members can earn and redeem points for flights, hotel stays, and other rewards.

The airline operates flights to over 70 destinations around the world, including major cities in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. It is also a member of the oneworld alliance, which allows passengers to earn and redeem loyalty points on partner airlines.

Overall, flying with Etihad is a luxurious and comfortable experience, with top-notch amenities and service.

How long is the flight to The Maldives from NYC on Etihad? To get from New York City to the Maldives on Etihad Airways, follow these steps:

1. Book a flight from New York City (JFK or EWR) to the Maldives (MLE) on Etihad Airways. You can do this on the Etihad website or through a travel agent.
2. Make sure you have a valid passport and any necessary visas for travel to the Maldives.
3. Arrange transportation to JFK or EWR airport in New York City for your departure.
4. Check in for your flight at the Etihad Airways check-in counter at the airport. You will need to present your passport and boarding pass.
5. Go through security and board your flight to the Maldives. The flight from New York City to the Maldives typically takes around 18 hours, with a layover in Abu Dhabi

British Airways

British Airways offers direct flights from New York to the Maldives, with a convenient stopover in London.

Business class passengers can enjoy a variety of amenities, including priority check-in, lounge access, and lie flat seats. Premium Economy passengers can also enjoy some of the the same benefits, excluding the lie flat seat but with a more affordable price tag. Finally, economy class offers the cheapest prices.

Both classes feature a variety of dining options and complimentary drinks, as well as in-flight entertainment. British Airways also offers a range of services to make the long time of your journey even more enjoyable, such as complimentary Wi-Fi, extra baggage allowance, and special assistance for passengers with disabilities.

With British Airways, you can be sure of a comfortable journey from New York to the Maldives.

To get from New York City to the Maldives on British Airways, you will need to take the first leg from New York to London, and then transfer to another flight from London to the Maldives.

How long is the flight to The Maldives from NYC on British Airways? The flight from New York to London is typically around 7 hours, and the flight from London to the Maldives is around a 12 hour flight, so you can expect the trip to take around 19 hours in total, not including any layovers or delays.

To book a flight from New York to the Maldives on British Airways, you can visit their website or contact a travel agent. You will need to provide your departure city (New York), destination (Maldives), and travel dates to get a list of available flights and prices. You can then select the flight that best suits your needs and budget and proceed with the booking process.

Singapore Airlines

While this is a longer option, at 11,650 miles from JFK to Singapore to Male, Singapore is another option.

Singapore Airlines is a 5-star rated airline that is known for its excellent service and luxurious amenities. You’ll be in good hands the whole time for your long journey. When flying with Singapore Airlines, you can expect comfortable seating, delicious meals, and a wide variety of entertainment options.

The airline operates flights to a variety of destinations around the world, including cities in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and more.

In addition to its economy class seating, the airline also offers premium classes such as business class and first class, which feature additional amenities such as lie-flat seats and private suites. Overall, flying with Singapore Airlines is a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

How long is the flight to The Maldives from NYC on Singapore? To get from New York City to the Maldives on Singapore Airlines, you would need to book a flight from New York City to the Maldives via Singapore. Here is a rough outline of the steps you would need to take:

1. Go to the Singapore Airlines website and search for flights from New York City (JFK or EWR) to Male, Maldives (MLE).
2. Select the dates you want to travel and the number of passengers.
3. Choose a flight that has a layover in Singapore. The layover could be a few hours or a day, depending on your preferences.
4. Follow the prompts to book your flight, including selecting your preferred class of service (economy, premium economy, business, or first class).
5. Make sure to have your passport and any other required travel documents ready, as you will need these to board the flight.

How long is the flight to The Maldives from NYC? Finding The Best Fare

There are a few ways you can try to find the best airfare for international flights to the Maldives:

1. Use a flight comparison website: These websites allow you to compare flight prices from multiple airlines at once, making it easy to find the best deal. One of the best is Google Flights, which will suggest other cheaper flight options and by selecting other days or cities, can find you the cheapest way to get there..
2. Be flexible with your travel dates: Prices for flights to the Maldives can vary significantly depending on the time of year you travel. If you’re able to be flexible with your travel dates, you can avoid the high season and may be able to find the cheapest flights. The cheapest fares can be found during the rainy monsoon season.
3. Book your flights early: Generally, the best time to book flights at least several months in advance rather than at the last minute, especially during peak season. If you know when you want to travel, try to book your flights as early as possible.
4. Sign up for alerts: Many flight comparison websites and airlines offer the option to sign up for alerts when prices for a specific route drop. This can help you get notified of any good deals as soon as they become available.
5. Consider flying to a nearby city: The Maldives is a small country made up of 26 atolls located in the Indian Ocean. If you’re able to find the cheapest price to a nearby city such as Colombo, Sri Lanka or Dubai, UAE, you may be able to save money on your overall travel costs. From there, you can look for connecting flights to the Maldives.
6. Booking nonrefundable tickets. If your plans are solid, booking a nonrefundable ticket can save you some money over flexible flight tickets. However, be sure to get travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances.

Where To Stay In The Maldives?

There are many resorts and hotels in the Maldives to choose from. Here are some of the popular high end options, though many other more reasonably priced options are available. Also, The Maldives is one of the best places to book hotels with credit card points.

1. The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is a popular luxury resort located in the Maldives. It offers a range of accommodation options, including overwater villas, beach villas, and private residences. The resort also boasts a range of dining options, a spa, and activities such as snorkelling and diving.
2. Waldorf Astoria offers overwater villas, beachfront bungalows, and a variety of dining and entertainment options.

Here’s a map with one of our favorites, the Conrad where we stayed in 2022.

I hope these tips are helpful! If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me.

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