Minister of Tourism and Transport Mohamed Ameen has stated that the agreement required to provide helicopter services in the Maldives will be signed next month.

In an interview given to PSM News, Minister Ameen said that changes need to be brought to the Maldives' current transport model. The Minister noted that particularly because seaplanes cannot operate during night hours, arrangements must be made to transport tourists day and night as well as in varying weather conditions.

The Minister said the government believes introducing helicopter services will be a permanent solution to these difficulties.

The Minister stated that the evaluation of proposals received to initiate helicopter services has now been completed, and following the signing of the agreement next month, work will proceed to obtain the Air Operator Certificate under Maldivian civil aviation regulations.

The Minister said the government's target is to officially launch this service in the Maldives by November 1, 2027, at the latest.

Beyond transporting tourists, the helicopter service must also provide search and rescue as well as medical evacuation services. Under the established policy, medical evacuation services must be provided free of charge for 50 hours per month during the first three years of service.

Operators selected to provide this service will be authorized for a maximum period of ten years.