The Maldives government has announced a new initiative to invite interested parties to operate helicopter services within the country.

The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has published an announcement in the state gazette inviting expressions of interest (EoI) for providing helicopter services, which will include both emergency and guest transfers.

This nationwide service is expected to improve patient transfers, search and rescue operations, and enhance connectivity within the tourism sector.

The Ministry of Transport has stated that it will offer a 10-year exclusive agreement for helicopter tourism services.

Following the EoI submission phase, a proposal submission phase will commence.

Proposals must align with the strategic objectives outlined by the Ministry.

Interested parties can submit their EoIs either in person at the Ministry’s office in Umar Zahir Office Building, Hulhumale', or via email by 14:00hrs on 19th August.

Currently, two helicopters donated by the Indian government are being used for patient transfers across the Maldives, and Maldivian Airline recently launched its own Air Ambulance service.

Helicopter operations in the Maldives were previously halted following a series of accidents in 1999, including two fatal crashes involving an MIL Mi-8P and a Bell 212 helicopter.

These incidents led to the suspension of helicopter services in the country.