Seizure of Kaadedhdhoo Airport halted pending court ruling

Civil Court has issued a temporary order halting seizure of Kaadedhdhoo Airport, pending a final decision by court.

The temporary court order was issued by Civil Court this Wednesday, following a lawsuit filed by Villa Air claiming Ministry of Tourism’s notice for seizure of Kaadedhoo Airport was a violation of the contract signed by Maldivian government and Villa Air on November 6, 2013 to assign the company with management of the airport.

Court said a step taken on assumption the contract was void, before court ascertains no issues in the way the contract was terminated, could result in irrevocable damage.

Ministry of Tourism sent its notice of termination to Villa Air on January 18.

Civil Court has ordered all stakeholders – including Ministry of Tourism and Maldivian government – to halt implementation of the notice.

Director General of Regional Airports, Saami Agil reported to “Sun” that the notice of termination of contract was given to Villa Air because it had violated its contract to run Kaadedhdhoo Airport in compliance with civil aviation regulation.

Villa Air denies any wrongdoing.