Etihad Sale: High-Season Flights to the Maldives from Just £500 Return (Yes, Really)

By Mr Plane Guy, Travel Blogger and Flight Expert

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If you’ve ever fancied swanning off to the Maldives like you’ve just won Love Island but without the ITV cameras, this might just be your chance. Etihad Airways who I once reviewed flying their fabulous A380 and A350 right here have dropped a cheeky little fare from London to Male for as low as £500 return.(£502 to be exact!)

Yes, you read that right. That’s not even enough to fill up your car 12 times these days.

What’s the deal?

Etihad are flogging return fares in high season (October 2025 through March 2026) from London to the Maldives, starting at £502. That gets you a return ticket, a proper meal on board, a drink or two (alcoholic ones included, don’t panic), and one checked bag up to 23kg, so you can pack your best linen shirts, snorkel, and that inflatable flamingo you’ll regret inflating.

Check out the fares here on SkyScanner

You’ll of course connect via Abu Dhabi, which is no bad thing because I’ve also written up some fantastic ways to kill a few hours there in my Stopover in Abu Dhabi guide. (you don’t have to just sit in the lounge drinking flat Pepsi.) or enjoy a lounge in Abu Dahbi thanks to my offer with Priority Pass,

Exclusive Offer: I was kindly given a 30% off LINK for a Priority Pass, to share with you.

When can you go?

Here are just a few example dates I’ve found:

• 28 Oct – 5 Nov

• 2–10 Nov, 5–13 Nov, 9–17 Nov

• 12–20 Nov, 18–26 Nov, 26 Nov – 1 Dec

• 30 Nov – 8 Dec, 2–10 Dec, 14–22 Dec

• 20–28 Jan, 26 Jan – 3 Feb, 28 Jan – 5 Feb

• February and March also have plenty more options.

Route: London – Abu Dhabi – Male – Abu Dhabi – London. Airline: Etihad Airways, who, by the way, have a cracking business class product too, which I talk about later because… SEO, darling.

Check out the fares here on SkyScanner

Why Etihad?

I’ve flown them. Several times. I reviewed their A380 and A350 here and frankly, even in economy you’re treated better than some airlines treat you in premium. If you do want to splash out and live your best etihad business class life, go for it. Etihad’s business cabins are genuinely some of the best in the skies. Big seats, good bedding, actual service. You know, all the things you should get but usually don’t anymore.

Where to stay?

Alright, flights are sorted, but where are you actually going to lay your sun-kissed head?

If you’d rather someone else take care of the whole package, flights, hotel, transfers, and maybe even a free welcome coconut thrown in, then give Icelolly Holidays a look. They regularly have excellent Maldives package deals at surprisingly reasonable prices.

✅ Budget pick: Rahaa Resort – Up to 65% Off and Free Room Upgrade to a Beach Front Ocean View Villa A slice of Maldivian luxury without the scary price tag. This 4.2⭐ rated resort (over 200 happy Google reviews) gives you dreamy ocean views, toes-in-the-sand vibes, and even throws in a free upgrade to a beachfront villa. More money left for cocktails and a massage? Yes please.

✅ 5-star treat: Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection

Classic Maldives charm with a trusted name behind it. This Centara resort brings you white sands, turquoise waters, and a proper spa to melt your worries away. Affordable luxury that still leaves you budget for sunset cocktails and maybe a cheeky excursion.

✅ 5-star splurge: OBLU SELECT at Sangeli offers the discerning traveller an all-encompassing, hassle-free Maldives experience. With its all-inclusive plan, vibrant house reef, chic villas, and lively atmosphere, it’s a perfect pick for couples and families who want luxury without overthinking the details.

👉 See the latest Maldives deals and steal your slice of paradise here

Prefer to DIY your dream Maldives trip? Instead of letting someone else bundle it for you, pick exactly what you want by booking flights and hotel separately. Snap up Etihad’s brilliant flight deal to Malé, then use a hotel search site like Trivago to compare all the big hotel providers at once, no more clicking around 10 tabs.

You’ll see the best prices in seconds and its perfect for travellers who like full control.

Is It Worth Stopping Over in Abu Dhabi?

If your Etihad flight itinerary allows for a layover, I highly recommend spending some time in Abu Dhabi. There is so much more to the city than just the airport.

I have a full post on the Top Things To Do in Abu Dhabi, which you can check out here. 

Whether visiting the breathtaking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, strolling along the Corniche, or exploring the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the city has something for everyone. Etihad even offers stopover deals to make it easier to add a night or two to your journey.

Blog Post: Top 5 Things to Do in Abu Dhabi

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Anything else I should know?

All prices quoted were accurate at the time I wrote this (and admired myself for finding them). If you’re reading this in 2026, well, sorry if it’s now £1,800 instead. Check before you book, prices can change faster than you can say “where’s my passport?”

Should you book?

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to finally tick the Maldives off your list, this is it. Etihad are a solid airline (and even better if you upgrade to etihad business class), the price is genuinely good for high season, and who doesn’t want to post smug beach pictures in the middle of a British winter?

Ready to book? Don’t forget to check out my full Etihad review if you want the inside scoop on what to expect onboard and if you’re stopping over in Abu Dhabi, have a look at my guide here for a few hours of fun outside the terminal.

Fly smart, stay smug and let me know if you spot me at Baros sipping something in a coconut.

Exclusive Offer: I was kindly given a 30% off LINK for a Priority Pass, to share with you.

Lounge Access Before You Fly

Before you jet off, why not start your trip in style? Priority Pass gives you access to over 1,700+ airport lounges around the world and I’ve secured a 30% discount just for my readers.

• Normally £69/year

• With my code: just £48

• Includes food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfy seats far from the gate chaos

Use my link to get your pass,

👉 Claim your Priority Pass discount here!

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)

Abu Dhabi is Etihad’s home hub, so most premium passengers use Etihad’s own lounges (which are not part of Priority Pass). However, Priority Pass does get you into these independent lounges:

Al Dhabi Lounge (Terminal 1) This is the main Priority Pass lounge. Pretty big, business-class feel with hot food, showers, quiet areas, and good Wi-Fi. It’s actually quite decent for a contract lounge, comfy enough to feel like you’re getting a business-class experience on a budget.

Al Reem Lounge (Terminal 1) Smaller than Al Dhabi, but similar facilities, food, drinks, decent seating. If Al Dhabi is too busy, this is a solid fallback.

🇲🇻 Velana International Airport, Malé (MLE)

Malé is tiny compared to AUH, so there’s only one Priority Pass lounge:

Leeli Lounge– This is the business-class lounge at MLE and serves both premium passengers and Priority Pass members. It’s small but has air-con, snacks, light hot food, drinks (including beer/wine), and much-needed quiet away from the hectic check-in area. Not fancy-fancy, but perfectly fine for an hour or two before your flight.

Follow me on Instagram for the latest lounge reviews, PLANE tips, and PLANE deals.

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Things to do in the Maldives

Hello, I’m Paul, a travel and flight expert. I spent most of my career working in and around planes, providing top-notch service with a London-based airline for 15 years. I became an expert in travel after soaring across the Atlantic up to 10 times a month!

I’m now producing travel content, reaching millions of viewers monthly. I report on travel news, sharing tips, reviews, and deals with a sprinkle of humor and a whole lot of authenticity!

I hope you enjoyed this Etihad Sale: High-Season Flights to the Maldives from Just £500 Return (Yes, Really). Please let me know your thoughts in the comments!