Maldives’ First Air Traffic Controller Naeem Passes Away

Mohamed Naeem Hussain, the Maldives’ first air traffic controller and a pioneer of the country’s aviation sector, has passed away, prompting tributes from national leaders and the aviation community.

In a statement issued following his passing, President Mohamed Muizzu said the invaluable services rendered by the late Mohamed Naeem Hussain would remain permanently recorded in the history of Maldivian aviation. The President highlighted Hussain’s role in establishing air traffic control services at the national airport before the Maldives opened its doors to tourism, noting that this contribution was instrumental in facilitating the expansion of international flights to the country.

President Muizzu extended condolences to Hussain’s family, as well as to the management and staff of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), and prayed for Allah to grant him eternal bliss in Paradise.

إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ

އަލްމަރްޙޫމް މުޙައްމަދު ނަޢީމް ޙުސައިންގެ އަގުހުރި ޚިދުމަތުގެ ހަނދާންތައް ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ ވައިގެ ދަތުރުފަތުރުގެ ތާރީޚުގައި އަބަދުވެސް ފަނޑުވުމެއް ނެތި ދެމިހުންނާނެ. މީގެ ބައި ގަރުނަށްވުރެ ކުރީން، ފަތުރުވެރިކަމަށް ރާއްޖެ… pic.twitter.com/XdCUycQmyZ— Dr Mohamed Muizzu (@MMuizzu) January 13, 2026

MACL also expressed deep sorrow over Hussain’s passing, describing it as a significant loss to the aviation community. In its statement, the company said Hussain would be remembered with respect and gratitude for his contributions as the first Maldivian air traffic controller, acknowledging his foundational role in the development of the nation’s aviation services.

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Mohamed Naeem Hussain, the first Air Traffic Controller of the Maldives. His passing is a great loss to the aviation community, and he will be remembered with respect and gratitude for his contributions.

May Allah (SWT) grant… pic.twitter.com/wpgBIQWoes— Maldives Airports Company Ltd (@MACLmedia) January 13, 2026

MACL further conveyed its sympathies to Hussain’s family and loved ones, praying for patience and strength for them during this time of loss, and for Allah to grant him paradise.