The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has officially taken over the operations of nine domestic airports previously run by the Regional Airports Company Limited (RACL), following the Government’s decision to dissolve the company as part of wider cost-cutting measures.

The full transfer was completed two weeks ago, MACL Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed confirmed. He noted that the airports were handed over in poor condition, with firefighting and safety equipment at some facilities requiring urgent replacement. MACL has since launched an emergency procurement process to secure essential equipment, after Fuvahmulah Airport was temporarily closed due to a breakdown of its fire truck.

The Cabinet decided on 1 September 2024 to move RACL’s operations under MACL, with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu later announcing that RACL would be dissolved entirely. MD Shareef said that while MACL has now assumed responsibility for airport operations, ground handling, and staff management, work to fully wind down the RACL is still ongoing. Previously, Island Aviation had overseen ground operations at RACL airports, but MACL has now taken over those functions as well.

The Government has argued that merging the two companies will reduce costs and improve efficiency in airport management. Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed said the reform reflects the Administration’s economic recovery plan, which has drawn recognition from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.