Island Aviation Services (IAS) has taken legal action against the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), alleging non-payment of MVR 5.6 million in expenses incurred during the previous year's presidential election campaign.

According to Ibrahim Iyas, Managing Director of Maldivian Airlines, the lawsuit was filed after repeated failures by MDP to meet payment deadlines for tickets and charter flights utilized during their campaign.

Despite multiple attempts to settle the outstanding amount, Iyas stated that the party had not fulfilled their financial obligations.

Initially, an agreement was reached between Maldivian and MDP for payment within 48 hours, but after six months, the outstanding sum remained unpaid.

Despite numerous reminders and extended deadlines, MDP failed to adhere to their commitments, prompting Iyas to initiate legal proceedings in the Civil Court.

Responding to the allegations, Iyas mentioned that MDP had requested clarifications on certain matters, to which Maldivian Airlines complied.

However, despite granting additional time, the party failed to honor their payment obligations.

The unpaid charges amounting to MVR 5.6 million stem from tickets and charter flights utilized by MDP between September and October of the previous year.

This is not the first instance of such financial disputes for Island Aviation Services, as similar issues arose during the tenure of the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), where the ruling party failed to settle expenses incurred during their presidential campaign.