Travelling from Velana International (MLE) to Chennai (MAA): what you need to know
Chennai's timezone is UTC+5:30, which makes Chennai 30 minutes ahead of Malé.
Your MLE to MAA flight won't wait if you're late, so get to the airport with time to spare. Arrive up to one hour in advance for domestic flights and two hours ahead for international travel.
You can expect bigger queues in popular months like January. Arriving up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours for domestic departures will give you ample time for security and boarding.
We make it a breeze to book a flight with a stopover. To see your options for tickets from Velana International to Chennai, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, pick a flight with a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. Some great stopovers between MLE and MAA include:
Bengaluru
Kochi
Colombo Bandaranayake
How to find the cheapest flights from Velana International (MLE) to Chennai (MAA)
At the moment, ₹ 18,945 is the cheapest price we've found for a one-way Velana International to Chennai flight. The best price for a return ticket is ₹ 30,864. Remember that fares may change due to demand when booking.
It's usually smart to book early if you want to find cheap tickets from MLE to MAA. That's because airlines adjust prices based on demand, which tends to increase closer to departure.
If you're willing to be flexible with your trip dates, use the 'Whole month' search function. It'll give you the cheapest price across every month when looking for a flight from Velana International to Chennai.
Finding cheap flights from MLE to MAA is easy with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when a new deal comes up.
Tailor your trip with filters. Choose your arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Velana International to Chennai.
Handy information about Velana International (MLE)
Of all flights departing from Velana International, 77% land on time at their destination.
To get to Velana International from central Malé, it takes around 15 minutes by car. This depends on traffic, however. It's approximately 2 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Expect a trip time of about 20 minutes on public transport.
Booked an early flight from Velana International to Chennai? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and get some extra shut-eye) by picking one of these hotels near MLE:
What is the baggage allowance on flights from Velana International Airport (MLE) to Chennai Airport (MAA)?
Most airlines operating flights from MLE to MAA include a carry-on bag with standard fares, though baggage allowances vary by airline and ticket type. Here's what you can expect with the main airlines on this route:
Air India
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Velana International Airport (MLE), Main Terminal
Arrival terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure
Emirates
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag up to 55x38x25cm plus personal item
Checked baggage: 30kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Velana International Airport (MLE), Main Terminal
Arrival terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
Check-in counters: Opens 3 hours before departure, closes 60 minutes before
IndiGo
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag (55cm x 35cm x 25cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 15kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Velana International Airport (MLE), Main Terminal
Arrival terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure
You can find essential facilities including free Wi-fi, currency exchange services, and dining options at Velana International Airport (MLE). The airport also provides duty-free shopping, comfortable seating areas, and medical services for passengers requiring assistance. ATMs and baggage storage facilities are available throughout the terminal to help make your departure experience more convenient.
Arriving at Chennai (MAA)
If you have a late Velana International to Chennai flight, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be tucked up in bed shortly after at one of these accommodation options near MAA:
Pick up a Chennai rental car and discover Chennai and beyond with your own wheels. Avis, Europcar and North Car Hire are top providers to choose from here.
Booking your ride from Chennai about three weeks ahead gives you the best shot at securing a great deal.
Getting from Chennai (MAA) to central Chennai
Chennai is approximately 21 kilometres from the centre of Chennai. The drive time takes about 35 minutes.
It takes around 1 hour to get there using public transport.
When to fly to Chennai (MAA)
It's time to plan your dates for your flight from Velana International to Chennai. January is the most popular month to visit Chennai. If you like a more low-key vibe, go in January.
Lock in your flight from Velana International to Chennai for May if you'd like to visit Chennai during its warmest month. Expect temperatures of between 28ºC and 37ºC.
If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from MLE to MAA in January. Temperatures average between 21ºC and 28ºC then.
Weather snapshot
The weather in Chennai features a tropical climate with warm temperatures, high humidity, and distinct wet and dry seasons. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
December – February: Winter brings Chennai's coolest weather, making these the best times to explore Chennai with daytime highs around 28°C and refreshing sea breezes. Pack light cotton clothes and enjoy outdoor sightseeing without the intense summer heat.
March – May: Summer arrives with hot, dry weather that intensifies as the season progresses. Stay hydrated and plan your sightseeing for early morning hours when temperatures are more manageable.
June – September: Chennai's monsoon season delivers warm, humid weather with regular rainfall that cools the city. Light, quick-dry clothing works best for the conditions. Indoor attractions and covered sightseeing suit the wet weather perfectly.
October – November: Post-monsoon season brings relief with moderate temperatures and refreshing breezes. You'll find this ideal for outdoor attractions, walking tours, and sightseeing around the city's vibrant neighbourhoods.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
Chennai blends traditional Tamil culture with modern city life, offering ancient temples alongside busy beaches and a strong film industry presence. The city serves excellent South Indian cuisine and maintains deep cultural roots while embracing contemporary development. Whether you're booking flights to Chennai for business or leisure, expect warm hospitality and diverse experiences throughout this coastal metropolis.
Things to do in Chennai: Walk along Marina Beach, about 5 kilometres east of the city centre, where you can watch fishing boats return at dawn or catch the sunset over the Bay of Bengal. Head to Besant Nagar Beach, roughly 15 kilometres south, for quieter stretches of sand and beachside cafes. Explore T. Nagar market, approximately 8 kilometres southwest, to browse silk sarees, spices, and street food stalls that wind through narrow lanes.
Cultural experiences: Watch classical Bharatanatyam performances at Kalakshetra Foundation, about 12 kilometres south of the city centre, or admire ancient Dravidian architecture at Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, roughly 6 kilometres southeast. Browse traditional Thanjavur paintings and bronze sculptures at the Government Museum in Egmore, around 3 kilometres north, then sample authentic Chettinad cuisine at local restaurants throughout T. Nagar district.
Seasonal highlights: Experience the Chennai Music Season from December to January when classical performances fill the city's halls and temples. The cooler winter months offer the best time to visit Chennai for exploring Marina Beach and historic temples without the intense heat. Join the colourful festivities of Pongal in January or witness the spectacular Arudra Darshanam celebrations at local temples during this pleasant season.
Explore more of India
You've visited Chennai, now it's time to explore more of India. Travel about 290 kilometres west to Bengaluru to check off its top sights. From Meenakshi Temple to Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) and Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwara Temple, your itinerary will be busy.
If there's time to check out another corner of India, consider Coimbatore, roughly 434 kilometres south-west of Chennai. Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, Siruvani Falls and Dam and Sri Ranganathar Temple are key reasons to visit.
