Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Ameen has said that although the launch of a helicopter service in the Maldives has faced some delays, preparations remain ongoing and active.
Addressing reporters at a press conference held at the President’s Office on Monday, Minister Ameen acknowledged that the project is progressing, albeit not on the initial timeline. He explained that certain legal modifications are required before the service can move forward, stating that these adjustments are necessary to bring the proposal in line with existing regulatory frameworks.
“The project has moved ahead based on the schedule we initially set. However, some parts of the proposal now require legal amendments, which has slowed things down,” he said.
The plan to reintroduce helicopter services in the Maldives was first announced in August last year. At the time, the Transport Ministry invited Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from potential service providers, with a commitment to select the most qualified party following a proposal evaluation process.
Minister Ameen also reminded the public that the Maldives previously had operational helicopter services, though he emphasized that the approach to operating such services today would differ significantly from how it was done in the past, particularly in terms of safety protocols and regulatory oversight.
Although the Minister had earlier indicated that the service could begin as early as March this year, he did not provide a revised launch date during Monday’s briefing.
The introduction of helicopter services is seen as a potential game-changer for inter-island connectivity, especially for regions not easily accessible by seaplane or domestic flights. However, the government remains cautious about ensuring that the service meets all legal and safety requirements before it can officially take off.
