Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail has stated air traffic operations in any airport in the Maldives will be conducted by the government. He made the statement on Twitter in response to rumours that the government plans to hand over complete control of Maldivian airports and air traffic control operations to foreign companies.
The economic minister said the recent amendment to the Foreign Direct Investment Policy does not allow the operation of air traffic by a private investor, whether foreign or local. Fayyaz said the ownership, operation, and management of Hanimaadhoo International Airport will be conducted by the government or an assigned state-owned enterprise, despite the airport being developed under a loan facility through the Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank). The wording of the amendment will be changed to remove any misunderstanding, he added.
The recent amendment to the Foreign Direct Investment Policy, proposed by the government, states companies with 100% foreign ownership can invest in the Maldivian air transport services.