Book flights to Basra (BSR) from The Maldives (MLE)

Enjoy extraordinary journeys with us

When you fly from The Maldives to Basra with Qatar Airways, every detail is carefully designed to make your journey exceptional from the moment you board. Experience renowned hospitality as our attentive cabin crew welcomes you, ensuring you are well cared for throughout your flight. Step into a modern aircraft interior, where spacious seating and elegant design create a relaxing atmosphere. Settle in and explore Oryx One, our award-winning in-flight entertainment system, offering thousands of movies, TV shows and games. Whether you prefer a light snack or full-course meal, enjoy a menu of gourmet cuisine, freshly prepared and inspired by global flavours. With plush pillows, soft blankets and luxury amenity kits, you can rest in unmatched comfort and arrive feeling refreshed.

Your journey begins at Velana International Airport (MLE), the gateway to the Maldives and a remarkably beautiful departure point surrounded by brilliant blue water. Enjoy a comfortable travel experience at this easy-to-navigate international hub.

Getting to the airport involves travelling on water since it's located on its own island, without land connections to Malé city. Speedboats are the most common mode of transport, alongside local water taxis known as dhonis, which bring you directly to the terminal. You can also take a transfer by seaplane.

Once inside the terminal, you'll find several facilities to explore before your flight. You can relax in the lounge area or browse retail outlets for any last-minute purchases. Shop local goods, luxury accessories, perfume and jewellery. Stay connected using the complimentary internet kiosks situated in the duty-free area, near gates 1, 2 and 3. You can easily find the prayer room inside the terminal, or access one of the two mosques just five minutes’ walk from the airport.

Basra is a truly vibrant and historic Iraqi port city. It's strategically located on the Shatt al-Arab waterway, which is formed by the convergence of the legendary Tigris and Euphrates rivers. This unique geography has often earned it the nickname the 'Venice of the East', due to its intricate system of canals and long history as a major commercial centre.

The city merges ancient culture with contemporary sophistication, and its roots date back to the 7th century. To immerse yourself in its deep past, visit the Basra Museum, which showcases a compelling collection of artefacts from the Mesopotamian civilisation.

For a taste of local life, explore the old bazaars, which bustle with traders selling regional spices, textiles, and Basra's world-renowned fresh dates. You can also experience the city's modern heartbeat during an evening walk along the lively Basra Corniche, a scenic waterfront promenade.