Velana International Airport, formerly known as Malé International Airport, is the primary international gateway to the Republic of Maldives. Located on Hulhulé Island adjacent to the capital Malé, it serves millions of tourists and residents traveling to the country's renowned atolls and resort islands each year. The airport underwent significant expansion and modernization in the 2010s and 2020s, including a new passenger terminal, expanded apron, and a seaplane terminal that is among the busiest in the world. These upgrades were designed to accommodate growing tourist demand and larger wide-body aircraft. Because Malé sits on a separate island from the airport, travelers must cross the water by ferry or speedboat to reach the capital, while resort guests typically connect via domestic flights, speedboats, or seaplanes to their final destinations across the archipelago.