Government Seeks Company to Operate Helicopter Services in Maldives

The government has issued its third announcement inviting companies to provide helicopter services in the Maldives.

The Ministry of Transport announced last Thursday that interested parties are invited to submit proposals to operate helicopter services with a 10-year exclusivity period. The deadline for submissions is 25 March. The ministry first called for expressions of interest in August 2024, and reissued the announcement last month after the initial deadline expired. The reasons for issuing the call for a third time have not been disclosed.

According to the Ministry of Transport, the primary aim of introducing helicopter services is to strengthen the national transportation network and support the development of the tourism sector. The service is also intended to facilitate tourist transportation, enable emergency medical evacuations, and assist in search and rescue operations.

Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen previously stated that 36 foreign companies had expressed interest in providing helicopter services in the Maldives. He had earlier indicated that the service was expected to begin in November 2024.

Helicopter services were operated in the Maldives in the early 2000s but were discontinued following fatal accidents. Minister Ameen has said that the service will be reintroduced in line with recommendations from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, with enhanced safety measures in place.