Ten months after promised start, helicopter service still not contracted as ministry reopens bids

The government has issued a fresh call for contractors to operate helicopter services in the Maldives, the third announcement since the project was first introduced, and 10 months after the service was initially expected to begin.

The Transport Ministry on Thursday opened applications once again, stating that interested parties must submit proposals before March 25.

This marks the third attempt by the ministry to recruit a contractor for the service. The government had earlier stated that helicopter operations would begin in March this year.

The first announcement was made on August 5, 2024, when the ministry invited parties to express interest in launching helicopter services in the Maldives. At the time, Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen said the project was being developed based on recommendations from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Despite these steps, the government has yet to award a contract or begin operations, missing the timeline previously set by the ministry.

The current administration came to power pledging to remove Indian military personnel who had been operating helicopters used primarily for medical evacuations. In May last year, the government announced that all military personnel had been withdrawn and replaced with Indian civilian pilots.