The Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Ltd. (MACL), Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, has denied rumours circulating on social media that the CIP or VIP terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) is being handed over to Jetex, a Dubai-based aviation services firm.

Speaking to local media, Shareef said no decision has been made to transfer the operation of the CIP terminal, or any other terminal, to another party.

A Government official, speaking to state media, also confirmed this, explaining that while MACL regularly receives proposals from various companies, including one from Jetex, no decision has been made. Any such decision, the official added, would prioritise the best interests of MACL and the country.

The clarification follows online speculation that Jetex would be granted the rights to manage the VIP terminal. According to details of Jetex’s proposal, which remains under discussion, the company has requested 10,000 square metres of land at VIA to build and operate a new CIP or VIP terminal under a 25-year concession, pledging an investment of USD 25 million. The proposal also includes managing all private jet services at the terminal, including refuelling.

Meanwhile, similar rumours have surfaced about Hanimadhoo International Airport being leased to a foreign company. Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed said the government has not initiated, reviewed, or considered any such proposal.