Helicopter Services to Launch in Maldives by March 2025

Transport Minister Mohammed Ameen has announced that helicopter services will be launched in the Maldives by March 2025. Speaking on PSM, Minister Ameen stated that agreements with interested service providers would be finalized within the next 10 to 15 days.

In August 2024, 36 international companies expressed interest in operating helicopter services in the Maldives. Minister emphasized that the operations will adhere to all civil aviation standards, including recommendations from the UK's CA.

“This initiative will introduce best quality helicopters in the Maldives, enhancing inter-island transport and medical emergency response. Patients can be transferred between islands or to Malé with ease, and the service will also address challenges in operating tourist transfers during nighttime,” Minister Ameen stated.

Helicopter services were previously operational in the Maldives in the 1990s but were discontinued following multiple accidents. The last recorded helicopter crash occurred in 1999 near Rangali Resort, claiming four lives.