Malé to Colombo
1h 23m The flight from Velana International Airport (MLE) to Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (CMB) covers 778 km (483 miles) and takes approximately 1h 23m gate to gate for a typical jet.
The route heads north-east on an initial great-circle bearing of 64°, passing near 5.7° N, 76.7° E at its midpoint.
The route
The great-circle path — the shortest line between the two airports across the curve of the earth. On a flat map it looks bent; on a globe it is straight.
Flight time at different cruise speeds
Aircraft type, winds and routing all move the real number. This is the same distance flown at different speeds, plus the 25-minute ground and climb allowance.
| Typical of | Cruise speed | Airborne | Gate to gate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop / regional | 550 km/h | 1h 25m | 1h 50m |
| Narrowbody jet (A320, 737) | 780 km/h | 1h 00m | 1h 25m |
| Widebody jet (777, 787, A350) | 900 km/h | 52m | 1h 17m |
| Private jet (Gulfstream) | 850 km/h | 55m | 1h 20m |
Headwinds on an eastbound long-haul routinely add 30–60 minutes; the same route westbound can be quicker. Airlines publish schedules with padding built in.
Both airports
| MLE | CMB | |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | Velana International Airport | Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport |
| City | Malé | Colombo |
| Country | Maldives | Sri Lanka |
| ICAO | VRMM | VCBI |
| Coordinates | 4.1918, 73.5291 | 7.1808, 79.8841 |
| Elevation | 6 ft | 30 ft |
Questions
How long is the flight from Malé to Colombo?
A non-stop flight from Malé (MLE) to Colombo (CMB) takes about 1h 23m. The great-circle distance is 778 km (483 miles, 420 nautical miles), flying north-east on an initial bearing of 64°.
How far is Malé from Colombo?
778 kilometres in a straight line over the earth's surface — 483 miles or 420 nautical miles. Actual flown distance is usually 2–5% longer because aircraft follow airways, avoid weather and route around restricted airspace.
Is there a non-stop flight between MLE and CMB?
This page calculates the direct-line time and distance; it does not track airline schedules. At 778 km the route is comfortably within range of a non-stop service if an airline chooses to fly it. Check an airline or booking site for what is actually scheduled.
Airport coordinates from OurAirports (public domain). Distance is a great-circle calculation; flight time uses the model described on the method page. Flight times are great-circle estimates for planning only — always check the airline's published schedule.