Inner Maldives owner Mohamed Firaq has described the decision to place all airports in the Maldives under the management of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) as a positive development.

In a statement on social media, he observed that transferring operations from the Regional Airports Company (RACL) to MACL would create valuable opportunities for the advancement of regional airports. He added that the Government’s decision was commendable, noting that MACL already has access to a wide range of facilities, from electricity generators to buses.

Firaq also highlighted that the new terminal at Velana International Airport would enable these resources to be utilised more effectively across the country’s airports.

The consolidation of airport management has already taken effect. Two weeks ago, the Regional Airports Company confirmed that it had transferred the operations of nine airports to MACL, in line with the Administration's policy to reduce public expenditure.

While the airports are now under MACL’s authority, the liquidation of the Regional Airports Company has not yet been finalised. Several of the transferred airports were reported to be in poor condition, with many lacking adequate facilities. MACL has begun efforts to secure the resources required to improve standards and resolve these issues.

The transfer included not only infrastructure but also personnel, with all employees of the Regional Airports Company moved to MACL. In addition, MACL has taken over ground operations at domestic airports that were previously managed by Maldivian.

The Government has confirmed that its broader strategy involves liquidating some state-owned companies and merging others as part of measures to reduce expenditure. Many state-capitalised companies have been operating at a loss for several years, prompting the Administration to restructure its approach to public enterprises.