Travelling from Shanghai to Velana International Airport (MLE): What you need to know
Get your holiday planning underway by considering where you'll take off for your flight from Shanghai to Velana International Airport (MLE). Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) are Shanghai's main airports.
8 hours 15 minutes is the average journey time for a direct Shanghai to Velana International Airport flight.
Velana International Airport is located in Malé. The city operates on the UTC+5 timezone and is three hours behind Shanghai.
The busiest route is from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Velana International Airport (MLE). Choose from 5 direct services each week. Maldivian operates a 1:20am departure between PVG and MLE.
For stress-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This way, you can comfortably catch your flight from Shanghai to MLE.
Heading away during a peak period like school or public holidays? Expect longer lines at check-in and security. To give yourself peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
Airports in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) will have you travelling directly to your destination. Nonstop flights from Shanghai to Velana International Airport (MLE) operate out of this terminal.
Book your direct flight from Shanghai to Velana International Airport with China Eastern Airlines. This top airline operates services from PVG.
China Eastern Airlines is the airline most travellers choose for flights from PVG to MLE.
We make it easy to find cheap flights from Shanghai to MLE that include a stopover. To explore all your options leaving from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), deselect 'Direct flights only.' Next, pick a flight with a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Popular stopovers between PVG and MLE include:
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
To get to PVG from central Shanghai, it takes around 50 minutes to drive the 56 kms (35 miles) or so.
Catching an early flight from Shanghai to Velana International Airport? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by picking one of these stays near Shanghai Pudong International Airport:
78.11% of flights that take off from Shanghai Pudong International Airport make it to their destination on time.
PVG is located at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Break up your flight from Shanghai to Velana International Airport with a stop at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). A main stopover between Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and MLE, it's a good opportunity to unwind before your onward flight.
SHA is approximately 14 kms (9 miles) from central Shanghai. It'll take you 20 minutes or so to reach the airport when driving from the city centre.
Get a head start on your holiday with an additional night away from home. Before your Shanghai to MLE flight, unwind in one of these hotels close to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport:
Flights from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport have a strong track record for punctuality, with 85.58% of them touching down as planned.
The street address for SHA is 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
About Velana International Airport (MLE)
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Shanghai to Velana International Airport. Book one of these accommodation options near MLE instead:
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Velana International Airport (MLE)
£86 is the best price for a one-way ticket from Shanghai to Velana International Airport. A return flight starts from £292. These fares can change depending on demand and availability.
Snap up cheap flights from Shanghai to MLE by booking four months ahead. According to our research, that's the sweet spot for bagging a bargain.
Organise your trip for September. That's the best month for scoring an incredible deal on Shanghai to Velana International Airport tickets. If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest price across every month.
Never miss a deal on plane tickets from Shanghai to MLE by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when prices go down.
Tailor your flights using filters. Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Shanghai to Velana International Airport.
The best time to fly from Shanghai to Velana International Airport (MLE)
August is when most people book flights from Shanghai to Velana International Airport (MLE). Visit Malé in April for a quieter experience.
Lock in a Shanghai to MLE plane ticket departing in May if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Malé to range from 26ºC (79ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from Shanghai to Velana International Airport in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 25ºC (77ºF) and 28ºC (82ºF).
More about Malé
After booking your flight from Shanghai to Velana International Airport, find a hotel that's got location and comfort covered. Make one of these options your base for exploring Malé:
Diving and Malé Beach are a couple of popular attractions to add to your Malé to-do list. Keep the momentum going by heading to Dive The World Maldives.
Explore more of the Maldives
You've visited Malé, now it's time to discover other corners of the Maldives. Travel about 225 kms (140 miles) north to Funadhoo to tick off its leading attractions. From Butterfly park to Children's Park and Hathareskan Vaa, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Around 177 kms (110 miles) south of Malé, Kudahuvadhoo is another favourite stop in the Maldives. Experience the best of this destination with a visit to Kudahuvadhoo, Masjid Al-Siddiq and Baahukuru Miskiyy.