Defence Ministry Clarifies Maldives’ Airspace and Maritime Boundaries

The Ministry of Defence has clarified the extent of the Maldives’ airspace and maritime boundaries, stating that areas beyond 12 nautical miles fall under international airspace and are not within the country’s legal jurisdiction.

The clarification follows the circulation of allegations claiming that Maldivian territory has been permitted for use in war-related activities.

According to the ministry, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea defines the maritime territories of states along with their rights and responsibilities, while the Maldives’ own maritime rights are established under the Maritime Zones of Maldives Act.

The ministry stated that national sovereignty extends to the country’s land territory, internal waters, archipelagic waters and territorial sea, including the seabed, subsoil and the airspace above these areas.

It further explained that under the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the airspace above a country’s territorial sea is considered sovereign and requires permission for entry. Airspace beyond this limit is classified as international airspace.

Air traffic control services continue to operate within designated Flight Information Regions to ensure aviation safety and security. While prior permission is not required to enter these regions in international airspace, authorities monitor flights and share relevant information as part of standard procedures.

The ministry outlined that the Maldives exercises full sovereignty over territorial waters extending up to 12 nautical miles, including complete control over the associated airspace. Beyond this, in the contiguous zone extending up to 24 nautical miles, the state retains jurisdiction to enforce laws related to customs, immigration, fiscal and sanitary matters.

Within the Exclusive Economic Zone, which extends up to 200 nautical miles, the Maldives holds sovereign rights over natural resources and economic activities. Rights beyond 200 nautical miles are limited to the seabed and subsoil under the extended continental shelf.

The ministry reiterated that decisions regarding the use of airspace beyond 12 nautical miles are not under the Maldives’ control.

The government also reaffirmed its position that Maldivian territory will not be allowed to be used to launch attacks against any country in connection with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.