Gov’t Invites Applications for Exclusive Helicopter Services in the Maldives

The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has announced a call for applications from companies interested in providing emergency evacuation and helicopter services to ferry tourists across the Maldives.

The successful bidder will be granted a ten-year exclusivity period to operate the helicopter service as a nationwide tourist transport and air ambulance service. During this period, no other company will be permitted to operate helicopter services within the Maldives.

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Companies capable of delivering these services despite the challenging environment are encouraged to express their interest. Following the deadline for expressions of interest, selected companies will be invited to submit detailed proposals.

The Transport Ministry emphasised that the operator will be chosen through a competitive bidding process, aiming to ensure the provision of the safest and most reliable helicopter services.

This decision follows the Cabinet’s re-authorization of helicopter flights in the Maldives last January. Helicopter services had previously operated in the country but were halted due to a series of fatal accidents. Subsequently, two helicopters donated by India were used for patient transport and search and rescue missions.