The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has once again extended the deadline for those who are interested in providing helicopter services in Maldives.
The initial announcement from the ministry was made in August 2024. However, as the ministry and the interested parties could not come to an agreement regarding the requirements, the announcement was made once again in December 2025.
Changes had been brought regarding the service itself, with it having been announced in July 2025 as well.
As per the ministry's announcement that was released yesterday, the deadline to submit proposals has been changed, where it can be submitted between 25th March to 20th April, 2:00pm.
The announcement also details the services that are to be provided under the helicopter service:
- Air ambulance services
- Aiding in search-and-rescue operations for all of Maldives
- Transport of passengers for the tourism industry on a business basis
When the announcement was made previously, 36 companies that are recognized worldwide had expressed their interest. However, Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen stated previously that all of the companies had said that the requirements for providing Search and Rescue and Medical Evacuation services as free aid were too high.
A Dash 8 aircraft and seaplane were introduced in Maldives in 2024 as air ambulances for the purposes of airlifting medical patients in emergency situations.
