Air cargo clearance services have now been extended to operate 24 hours a day, following concerns raised by small and medium-sized business owners about delays in the process.

The decision was introduced after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu met with SME representatives earlier this month, where business owners highlighted the challenges posed by limited service hours.

During the meeting, the President pledged to expand operations from the previous 18-hour schedule to a full round-the-clock service.

Maldives Customs Service has since confirmed that the extended operational hours are now in place.

In addition to expanding service hours, the President also committed to increasing the demurrage-free period from 80 hours to 124 hours.

He noted that high demurrage costs were burdening businesses and promised that both airport and seaport–related issues contributing to such expenses would be reviewed.

Authorities say the measures aim to ease logistical constraints and provide greater support to import-dependent enterprises.