Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen stated that despite delays, efforts to launch a helicopter service in the country are underway. 

Speaking in a press conference held at the President’s Office on Monday, the minister mentioned that while the work on establishing a helicopter service has progressed according to the timeline, certain amendments to the proposal need to be made for it to meet the legal requirements. 

In August last year, the Transport Ministry announced its search for parties interested in providing this service. The Ministry stated that a service provider would be selected after inviting proposals from those who submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). 

Highlighting that helicopter services were previously operational in the Maldives, the Minister noted that how the service is operated today differs significantly from how it was managed in the past. 

Even though the Minister gave some updates on the progress of this service, he did not mention an expected day they could begin the service. Previously Minister mentioned they can start the service in March this year.