Deadline Extended Again for Helicopter Service Proposals in Maldives

The Transport Ministry has granted a further extension for proposals to launch a commercial helicopter service in the Maldives, more than a year after the service was initially expected to begin operations.

The ministry first invited bids in August 2024 from parties interested in establishing helicopter services in the country. In November, Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen stated in a television interview that the service would be launched by March 2025, a deadline that has since passed.

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Since then, the ministry has issued invitations for proposals on three separate occasions. The latest deadline had been set for this Wednesday but has now been extended to 20 April at 14:00.

According to the ministry, the extension was granted following requests from multiple interested companies and organisations facing operational and logistical challenges linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has affected their ability to submit complete proposals within the previous timeframe.

The proposed service is intended to provide commercial passenger transport primarily for tourists, as well as to support emergency medical evacuations and search and rescue operations across the Maldives.

Under the plan, the government will enter into an exclusive 10-year agreement with the selected operator, granting sole rights to conduct commercial helicopter passenger services in the country. The operator will also be required to assist with government needs related to emergency medical services and search and rescue.

The helicopter project is among several transport initiatives that have experienced delays. A proposed state-run taxi service announced by the ministry has also not commenced, despite passing its original launch deadline.