Helicopter service to resume for rescue, Medvec

The Cabinet on Sunday decided to resume helicopter services in Maldives for use in rescue operations.

The Ministry of Transport proposed to resume helicopter services in Maldives under certain rules.

Principal Secretary to the President on Public Policy Abdullah Nazim Ibrahim told a press conference at the President's Office on Sunday that the Cabinet has decided to resume operations of two-engine helicopters for medical evacuations and search and rescue operations.

Public flights other than those services will be operated from an approved heliport, Nazim said.

In addition, the helicopter service will be procured through a competitive tender or restricted tender and only such parties will be able to provide the service for 5-7 years, he said.

At the same time, the government has decided to allocate space at the Velana International Airport for the construction of a heliport.

Helicopter services were banned in Maldives 20 years ago following accidents involving hummingbird helicopters. People have died in the accidents.

During the government of former President Abdullah Yameen, the Maldivian Civil Aviation Authority commissioned the British Civil Aviation Authority to conduct a study to prepare for the resumption of helicopter services. Abu Dhabi Aviation has also expressed interest in providing the service in Maldives.

However, after the change of government in 2018, it has not been carried out.

An Indian helicopter is currently flying in Maldives. However, the helicopter is not in use at the moment as Indian troops are being evacuated.