Maldives opens bidding for helicopter services

The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation in the Maldives on Monday invited companies to express interest in providing helicopter services for tourists and emergency evacuations.

The successful bidder will receive a 10-year exclusive contract to operate helicopter services nationwide. This includes both tourist transport and helicopter-based air ambulance services. During this period, no other company will be allowed to operate similar services in the Maldives.

The decision to reintroduce helicopter flights follows a cabinet decision in January. In the past, helicopters were used for various purposes, but the service was halted after a series of accidents. More recently, two helicopters donated by India were used for patient transportation and search and rescue operations.

Companies capable of providing these services in Maldives are invited to submit proposals. The Transport Ministry stated that the operator would be selected through a competitive bid process focused on providing the safest and most reliable helicopter services.

The reintroduction of helicopter services is expected to improve inter-island travel for tourists and enhance emergency response capabilities. The deadline for expressions of interest will precede the proposal submission phase.