The Parliament has voted to move forward with a Government-proposed bill to establish an independent agency dedicated to investigating civil aviation accidents in the Maldives.

The bill was passed with 69 votes in favour and will now be reviewed by Parliamant's Committee on National Development and Heritage.

The proposed legislation aims to create a legal framework aligned with international aviation standards to strengthen the safety and security of the Maldives' civil aviation sector. It was introduced to Parliament by Hulhumalé Central MP Abdulla Shazeem.

A central feature of the bill is the creation of an autonomous agency mandated to investigate aviation accidents and significant incidents. The agency would be responsible for identifying contributing factors and implementing a national programme to improve air traffic safety.

Under the proposed structure, the agency would be led by a chief executive officer and supported by three commissioners, who would oversee investigations and the implementation of safety measures.

The move is intended to enhance aviation safety oversight by clearly separating investigative duties from the regulatory responsibilities of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), ensuring greater independence and transparency.