The government has issued a third announcement seeking a company to provide helicopter services in Maldives.
The Ministry of Transport said on Thursday that interested parties are invited to submit proposals to operate helicopter services in the country with 10 year exclusivity, with a submission deadline of March 25.
The ministry first called for expressions of interest in August 2024, but reissued the announcement last month after the initial deadline expired. The reasons for issuing the call for a third time have not been disclosed.
According to the ministry, the primary purpose of introducing helicopter services is to strengthen the national transportation network and support the development of the tourism sector. The service is also intended to facilitate the transportation of tourists, enable emergency medical evacuations, and assist in search and rescue operations.
Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen has previously stated that 36 foreign companies had expressed interest in providing helicopter services in the Maldives. He had earlier said the service was expected to begin in November 2024.
Helicopter services were previously operated in the Maldives in the early 2000s but were discontinued following fatal accidents.
Minister Ameen has said the service will be reintroduced in line with recommendations from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, with enhanced safety measures in place.
