The Ministry of Defence has issued a clarification outlining the legal framework governing the Maldives’ airspace and maritime boundaries.

In a statement shared on social media, the ministry explained that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) serves as the primary international agreement defining maritime zones and the rights of states within those areas.

It added that the Maldives’ own Maritime Zones Act of the Maldives sets out the country’s jurisdiction over its waters.

According to the ministry, the Maldives exercises full sovereignty over its land territory, internal waters, archipelagic waters and territorial sea, including the seabed and the airspace above these areas.

The statement also referenced the Convention on International Civil Aviation, which governs global aviation standards.

It noted that airspace above a country’s territorial sea falls under its complete sovereignty, meaning that prior authorisation is required for entry.

Airspace beyond these limits is considered international.

The ministry further explained that while countries are responsible for providing air traffic control services within their designated Flight Information Regions, these zones are established primarily to ensure the safety and efficiency of air navigation.

It added that although prior permission is not required to enter portions of Flight Information Regions located in international airspace, coordination and information-sharing between air traffic control authorities remain essential for managing aircraft movements.

To support its explanation, the ministry also shared a chart illustrating the different maritime and airspace zones under the Maldives’ jurisdiction.