President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has decided to introduce safe helicopter flight services in the Maldives. He made the decision following the Cabinet's deliberations on a paper submitted by the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation.
At a press conference, Principal Secretary to the President Abdulla Nazim said that President Dr. Muizzu decided to mandate Medivac and Search and Rescue services, utilising twin-engine helicopters to initiate helicopter operations. He also said that the service will be provided through a competitive tender.
President Dr. Muizzu initiated measures to accommodate a heliport at the Velana International Airport (VIA) and measures to establish a heliport in another location if required. The President resolved to revamp the structural framework of the Civil Aviation Authority, incorporating provisions and compensation to incentivise technically qualified individuals from the industry and ensure their sustainability in the sector.
Helicopter services have previously been provided in the Maldives. However, the service was discontinued years ago due to tragic incidents.