How long is the flight from Dubai to the Maldives: nonstop time and route

Dubai and Malé are linked by nonstop flights that take a little over four hours. Here is what we could confirm: the airlines, the time range, the distance, the time difference and the last leg to our island.

How long the flight takes

• Emirates and flydubai operate nonstop flights between Dubai and Malé. The Emirates route page gives a flight time of 4 hours 10 minutes; third-party listings give about 4 hours 20 to 25 minutes for flydubai and about 4 hours 30 minutes on the return from Malé.
• The straight-line distance from Dubai to Malé is about 3,040 km. The actual time varies with winds, aircraft and date.
• Schedules and the number of flights change between seasons. In March 2026 the trade press wrote that flights through some Gulf hubs were being cancelled or rescheduled, so check the airline’s current timetable before you buy. We do not publish ticket prices or a table of connection times.

Time difference and documents

• The Maldives is on UTC+5 and Dubai on UTC+4, so Maldivian time is 1 hour ahead. Time in the Maldives
• Visitors to the Maldives usually receive a free visa on arrival for up to 30 days. You need a passport valid for at least one month and the traveller declaration, which can be filled in up to 96 hours before arrival. Rules depend on citizenship, so check them before you go. Do Russians need a visa
• The driest months are January to March. The best season for the Maldives A packing list is here. What to take to the Maldives

From Malé airport to our island

• The speedboat to our island leaves at 16:00 daily except Friday, takes about 1 hour 15 minutes and costs USD 35 each way. On Thursday and Saturday there is also a seaplane. The pier transfer on the island is free.
• Send us your flight details and we will help you plan the last leg.

Reviewed by the Relax Residence team in October 2026.