In a significant leadership reshuffle, Ayesha Nurain Janah has been appointed Chairperson of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the state-owned entity that manages Velana International Airport and other major aviation infrastructure across the country.

The Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB) officially confirmed her appointment on May 29, 2025, through a social media post on platform X.

Nurain succeeds Mohamed Umar Manik (MU Manik), who stepped down from the position last year due to health reasons.

Prior to her new role, Nurain served as Chairperson of the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), where she played a key role in elevating the Maldives’ global tourism presence.

She resigned from MMPRC in May last year, although the PCB has not disclosed the reason for her departure.

A chartered accountant by profession, Nurain brings strong financial and strategic expertise to MACL.

She previously worked at William Buck, one of New Zealand’s largest tax firms.

In 2017, she was a finalist for the New Zealand Women of Influence Awards and represented the country at the UN Commission on the Status of Women, advocating for young women of colour in the workplace.

Nurain is also the daughter of prominent Maldivian businessman Mohamed Ali Janah.

Her appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective to MACL’s leadership as the company navigates a critical period in expanding and modernizing the country’s aviation sector.